Daniel closed the binder.
“The request doesn’t control the review.”
Arthur’s expression changed.
Barely.
“I know how a request works.”
“And the review follows its own chain.”
Arthur stood.
Then finally said what had been underneath everything.
“If the Army thinks there’s a conflict, let someone else handle it.”
“You want me off the review?”
“Yes.”
Too quickly.
I turned the page.
His request had entered the system months earlier.
Before the White House reception.
Before I ever touched the file.
Before he had grabbed my sleeve.
“Did you know my office would review it?”