He came up the three wooden steps and knocked twice on the frame of the screen door.

Richard turned the deadbolt and pushed the door open.

“Morning, Colonel,” Michael said, stepping into the entry and taking off his hat.

“Morning, Michael,” Richard said.

“Emily,” Michael said, giving a respectful nod toward the pine table.

“You look a great deal better than you did yesterday in the triage room.”

“I feel like a person again,” Emily said quietly.

Michael set his heavy briefcase on the wooden counter beside the sink and flipped open the silver side locks.