Arthur checked his pocket watch for the third time in two minutes.

“Eleanor said you were already getting an officer’s salary,” he said.

“She said the military provided your housing, your uniform, and your meals.”

“You knew about the tickets.”

He took a slow sip of cold coffee and set the cup back on the ceramic saucer with a dry click.

“She told me it was a choice between Derek’s whole future and one afternoon in the stands,” he said.

“It wasn’t your money,” I said.