I checked the alignment of the gold Trident above the ribbon bar, making sure the tip sat three-sixteenths of an inch above the seam.

The gold Navy SEAL Trident sat level over my left pocket, catching the yellow glare of the single bulb overhead.

In the dark oval glass, the quiet woman who had spent six weeks pulling weeds and reading court summonses was gone.

Knox came out of the living room and stood beside my left boot, leaning his shoulder lightly against my leg.

I smoothed the dark lapels, straightened the collar tabs, and stood tall in front of the mirror in my dark Navy jacket with my medals pinned tight.