He rapped the ring three times against the wooden door casing.

“What paperwork would that be?” Richard asked, his voice booming through the kitchen.

“The housing administration form,” I said, holding my folder against my side.

“Base command needs a verified residence record before the promotion board meets.”

Evelyn smiled at him, her hand going right back to her pearls.

“See, Richard?

She’s just taking care of her army records.”

Richard stepped into the middle of the kitchen, his shadow falling over the island.