Through gaps in the tall pines I could see the red brick barracks and the spotless green lawn of the main parade deck.

In exactly three weeks I would stand on that deck.

I would pin on a silver star.

I would take command of thousands of Marines.

My security clearance had to be spotless by that date.

Any financial irregularity would set off an automatic federal review of my whole record.

How was I supposed to keep the fraudulent loan from wrecking my federal clearance if the review board found it before Friday?

I eased off the speed to take the sharp bend near the eastern gate.