couldn’t reach me.
People like Evelyn don’t accept that quietly.
If they can’t control events, they control the narrative.
I knew where she would go next.
The biggest stage available.
The place where image mattered most.
The brigade ball.
I adjusted my dress uniform before leaving.
Sharp lines.
No wrinkles.
Everything exactly where it belonged.
The ballroom was already full.
Officers.
Spouses.
Command staff.
Every meaningful rank represented.
I moved through the room like I belonged there because I did.
At the VIP section, the base commander looked up.
“Captain
