“High command ordered an unannounced audit of your battalion’s administrative standing, equipment manifests and personnel discipline,” General Vance went on.

Carter kept his eyes on the framed map hanging on the plaster wall, but the muscles in his jaw twitched under the skin.

“My office hand-picked Lieutenant Colonel Miller to carry out that audit,” General Vance said.

Carter flicked a glance at me for a split second before staring straight ahead again.

“She’s the lead Inspector General evaluator assigned to audit your whole battalion,” General Vance said.

Nobody in the room moved as the words sank in.