“It’s rare to see that kind of dedication,” the General said.

“The academy respects it.”

Rachel set her leather portfolio on the velvet seat.

I knew exactly what was inside it.

She had brought the final adoption papers from fifteen years ago, along with a protective sleeve for my new commission certificate.

I didn’t yet know what I would do with the adoption papers and the commission certificate when all this was over.

Rachel patted the portfolio and sat down.