The notice requested an interview and preservation of specific records.

Findings would depend on an investigation, not on a holiday argument.

That distinction mattered to me.

I had spent too many years learning how easily an accusation could become a story people repeated without examining it.

Daniel reached for the document, but Cole retained it.

“You’ll receive a copy through the proper process, Colonel.

Please don’t discuss potential witnesses or alter the records referenced in the notice.”

“This is absurd,” Daniel said.

“It’s a family dispute.”

“Then the review will establish what belongs to the family and what belongs to the service record,” Cole answered.

Noah tugged my sleeve.

“Mom, are they taking him away?”

“No,” I said, kneeling so I could see his face.

“They need answers about something that happened before you were born.