The text under the signature box was printed in bold black ink: Mandatory presentation in full Service Dress uniform upon arrival at destination headquarters.

“Why the rush for a formal presentation?” Daniel asked.

“I’m covering an ordinary administrative transfer,” I said.

“An ordinary transfer doesn’t call for dress blues on a commercial jet,” Daniel said.

“I follow orders as they’re written, Daniel.”

“You’ve got two layovers, no cushion at all, and a uniform that pulls every eye in the terminal,” Daniel said.

He reached over and took my free hand, his fingers warm on my cold knuckles.

“Call me when you get to Gate C27.”