“It’s an advance on a huge new federal loan application.”

I stared at the staggering figure in bold black ink.

The borrower named on the top line was me.

“How does a civilian who owns a hardware store get close to a million dollars in federal backing?” I asked.

Arthur pointed to the employment verification section of the application.

Glenn had entered my current rank and my guaranteed military pay.

Underneath, he’d attached a copy of the public press release announcing my upcoming promotion to Brigadier General.