“Just routine paperwork from regional headquarters,” Daniel said, waving a hand toward the hall.

“Some clerk shuffling forms.”

He headed for the kitchen, calling to Margaret about lunch.

The moment his footsteps reached the hallway, I got up and fished the folded white paper out of the wicker basket.

It was on official military department letterhead, dated four days earlier.

The heading carried the seal of the Inspector General Office of Supply Audit.

The letter referred to an open inquiry into unverified delivery receipts filed under Major Daniel Carter’s company account.

I refolded the paper along its creases and tucked it inside my jacket.