Patricia closed her eyes.

I felt no triumph.

Just a strange, widening quiet, as if machinery that had been running beside my ear for years had finally shut down.

Judge Albright paused before adjourning.

“Commander Holloway, thank you for your patience with the process.”

“Thank you, Your Honor.”

I left my seat slowly, giving my knee the time it needed.

Near the doors, I heard my father say, “You’ve taken everything from us.”