My combat boots rang on the hardwood as I walked past the back rows of spectator benches, my M210 rifle slung tight across my chest with the bright orange chamber safety flag in plain sight.

Cold autumn rain beat against the tall leaded glass windows of the county courtroom, throwing long gray shadows over the brass light fixtures that hung from the ceiling.

I adjusted my leather watch strap on my wrist as I cleared the back aisle, keeping my eyes fixed straight ahead on the judge’s bench.

Ethan whipped his head around from the front row of benches, his thin fingers twisting Grandfather’s silver crest ring on his left hand.

My father didn’t get up from his padded leather chair at the defense table, but his loud laugh rolled across the hardwood floor.