He had a black leather clip log under one arm and stopped short when he saw the four stars shining on General Vance’s collar.

“Officer Knox reporting as ordered, General,” he said.

General Vance didn’t get up from his seat behind the desk.

“Officer Knox, take immediate custody of Lance Corporal Carter’s boarding pass for Flight 1482.”

Knox took a pair of clear rubber gloves from his pocket and opened a plastic storage pouch.

“Hand over your flight documents, Lance Corporal.”

Evan reached into the front pocket of his blouse with fingers shaking so badly he dropped the folded pass twice onto the desk blotter.

The clock over the door read 16:41, which left thirty-four minutes before the aircraft doors closed at Gate C27.