“Ethan was eleven.

Madison was in Djibouti.”

“I was carrying out official naval orders,” I said.

“And this is Christmas two years ago,” Evelyn went on, ignoring me entirely as she turned another page for Bradley.

“Ethan had the flu, and Richard had to take him to the urgent care clinic all by himself.

Where were you, Madison?”

“At Naval Support Activity Bahrain,” I said.

“A mother finds a way to be home,” Evelyn murmured, smoothing her silk scarf over her collarbone.