Recognition.
Reynolds heard it too.
“General Vance,” he said, “you testified under oath that you did not personally speak with Captain Vance before Checkpoint Echo fell. How do you know what classification may be on that drive?”
Richard’s expression hardened.
Colonel Price rose immediately.
“Objection. Counsel is arguing with a witness who has been excused.”
Judge Harrison lifted one hand.
“Enough.”
His eyes moved to the gallery filled with reporters and grieving families.
“The court will recess. The device will be secured by the court security officer and examined by cleared technical personnel. No party will access or copy it without authorization. We will reconvene in a closed session if classification requires.”
Sarah Miller stood so quickly the folded flag nearly slipped from her lap.
“What’s on it?”
Claire looked at her.
Sarah’s face was red with grief and fury.
“What did my husband die protecting?”
Claire wanted to answer.
She wanted to cross the courtroom, hold Sarah’s hands, and say Miller had not died for a coward.
But the judge was right.
The drive could contain information that would place living people at risk.
“I can’t tell you here.”
Sarah recoiled as if struck.
“Still hiding.”
Claire closed her eyes.
The MPs led her back to the holding room.
Reynolds followed minutes later.
He shut the door and stared at her.
“You had exculpatory evidence hidden in your boot this entire time?”
“I had evidence Miller gave me during the extraction.”
“Why didn’t you tell me?”
“Because I did not know whether you had the clearance.”
