A senior officer in full dress uniform stepped from the lead vehicle, flanked by two members of a security detail who fanned out to hold a professional perimeter.

He marched up the walkway, halted at the foot of the porch steps, and rendered a crisp salute.

“Major Ellison.” Behind me I heard a clatter as my father, following me out, dropped his coffee mug onto the deck.

I raised my hand and returned the salute with perfect form.

“Colonel.”

Chapter 7 — Major

“Ma’am,” the colonel continued, “your emergency transport order has been cleared by headquarters.

We need to verify the primary secured case and relocate you to the secure facility immediately.”