Daniel sat at the head, an expensive Montblanc poised over the final page of the three-hundred-million-dollar Project Vanguard contract. Immaculate, perfectly styled, radiating confidence.

Vanessa sat behind him in the observer’s row, legs crossed, wearing a triumphant smile and a diamond tennis bracelet I recognized from my own jewelry box.

“To a profitable, seamless, revolutionary partnership with the United States Armed Forces,” Daniel said, oozing charisma at the two civilian defense contractors across from him.

“Vanguard will change the way we fight wars.”

He touched the gold nib to the cream paper.

The oak double doors at the back slammed open, hitting the wall with a crack like a gunshot.