That did not make it less frightening.
Investigators searched Pierce’s room and vehicle. They found no vests.
Harlan swore under his breath when he heard.
Jordan surprised himself by saying, “That doesn’t clear him any more than my room cleared me.”
Harlan looked at him.
The words landed between them.
“I know,” Harlan said quietly.
It was the first time he sounded ashamed.
A second camera gave them the next piece. The figure from the supply building had left carrying two large deployment bags on a handcart. The person crossed behind a motor pool where the main camera had been out for maintenance, then disappeared for eleven minutes.
Vehicle logs showed a logistics truck leaving shortly afterward for an overnight equipment transfer.
Pierce had signed the dispatch.
The destination had not requested any vests.
Military police stopped the truck before its return trip. Hidden beneath approved cargo were four of the missing vests. Two more were found in a locked container at an off-base storage unit rented under the name of Pierce’s cousin.
The room where Jordan waited became silent when the investigator told him.
All six.
Recovered.
None in his possession.
The investigator placed Jordan’s access card on the table.
“We found a duplicated credential in Staff Sergeant Pierce’s locker.”
Jordan stared at his own card.
He had imagined this moment all day. He thought vindication would feel like heat, relief, maybe anger finally released.
Instead he felt tired.
“Am I cleared?”
“From the theft investigation, yes. We still need your statement regarding the card-handling incident.”
“Am I cleared?” he asked again.
The investigator met his eyes. “Yes, Specialist Blake.”
Jordan picked up the card.
His hand shook.
Harlan stood by the filing cabinet. “Jordan.”
Jordan did not look at him.
