He had a reputation for strict discipline, but he always spent extra time reviewing the files of cadets who had come through the state foster system.

He knew exactly what my legal history had looked like fifteen years ago.

“Your mother is arriving tomorrow,” General Thomas said.

“I want her seated before the brass band starts playing.”

“She knows the schedule, sir,” I said.

I walked up the short flight of stairs and stood next to the tall wooden podium.

An official graduation seating chart rested on the slanted reading board.

The oversized paper was covered in red ink marks and highlighted rows.