Higgins,” General Vance said.

“Thank you for doing your civic duty.”

Clara looked across the desk at me, gave a small nod of support, and turned back toward the concourse.

Officer Knox laid Clara’s handwritten blue sheet flat on top of the yellow legal pad in the middle of the desk.

Mason Reid stepped forward slowly, rubbing the back of his neck with his right palm.

“Permission to speak to the General,” Mason said.