“If a believable source files a formal complaint claiming serious financial negligence and unpaid personal debts, the board puts the file on hold.”

“I don’t have any unpaid debts,” I said.

“I’ve got a sworn affidavit drawn up on legal letterhead,” Richard said, his voice flat and deliberate.

“It lays out eleven thousand dollars in overdue personal obligations tied to this address.”

I stood perfectly still, feeling the cold concrete under my boots.

“That affidavit is nothing but a lie,” I said.

“It doesn’t matter if it takes six months to investigate,” Richard said.

“While JAG reviews the complaint, your promotion file stays frozen.