Harris thought she was overreacting.
“The guests are waiting.”
“Then they can wait.”
His eyes narrowed.
“Sergeant.”
“Sir, two sealed containers were tampered with.”
“You don’t know that.”
“I know someone opened them.”
“Could have been kitchen staff.”
“Everybody says they didn’t.”
Harris lowered his voice.
“You are about to embarrass this command in front of a general because somebody forgot to record opening a jar.”
Maria held his stare.
“Yes, sir.”
For years, Maria’s job had been treated as if food service were simple.
Cook.
Serve.
Clean.
But she knew one contaminated ingredient could incapacitate dozens of people.
Tonight, several senior commanders were eating in the same room.
She wasn’t gambling.
Harris pointed toward the dining room.
“You serve the food that has already been prepared.”
“No.”
“That is an order.”
Maria didn’t move.
His hand hit the counter.
“Torres!”
A young cook suddenly spoke.
“Sergeant?”
