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

“I didn’t know she was going to do that,” he whispered.

“But you let her.”

“I was angry.”

“You were afraid.”

His jaw tightened.

There. The small vanity survived.

“Afraid of what?” I asked. “My promotion? My command? My name on a door?”

His face twisted. “You changed.”

“No,” I said. “You noticed.”

For a second, his eyes filled with hatred so naked that even Agent Price shifted her stance. Then the look vanished behind panic.

“You don’t understand what she’ll do,” Ryan said quickly. “You think this is about money, but it isn’t. Not really.”

“Then what is it about?”

He glanced at the corners of the interview room, at the camera, at Agent Price.

“I can’t say it here.”

Agent Price stepped forward. “Mr. Whitaker, this is your opportunity to cooperate.”

Ryan gave a sharp, frightened laugh. “You think you’re in charge because you have a badge? You have no idea how many badges she’s collected.”

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