“My father couldn’t have wanted this.”

Pierce folded the document.

“Our responsibility is to carry out the properly executed terms, Colonel, not to speculate beyond them.

You may use the challenge procedure if you believe the determination is incorrect.”

Margaret’s hands trembled.

She had spent years respecting appearances at the expense of truth.

Now the plain language of her husband’s paperwork had accomplished what family loyalty had not.

Outside the conference room, I leaned against a wall and took my first full breath in hours.