My mother-in-law shaved my head while I slept on the very night the United States Army promoted me into one of the most important commands of my career. soe

The phone on my desk rang.

Not my personal phone. The office line.

Alvarez glanced at it, then at me.

Only three people had this number so far: my assistant, the commanding general’s office, and base security.

I answered. “Colonel Whitaker.”

The voice that came through was thin, trembling, and familiar.

“Emily.”

Linda.

My skin tightened.