“Command formally dismissed your father’s misconduct complaint thirty minutes ago,” Holt said, handing me the signed clearance page.

“Your certified mail receipts and leave orders met every requirement.

Your service record is spotless, Lieutenant Commander.”

“Thank you, Captain,” I said, folding the page into my vest.

“And what about their lawyer?” Holt asked, nodding across Main Street toward Elm Avenue.

We walked three blocks down Elm Avenue to the three-story brick building that housed Bradley Collins’s law firm.

Through the tall plate glass window facing the sidewalk, I could see Bradley standing beside his wide mahogany conference desk.