Vance answered before I could.
“General, Colonel Bradley was responding to a joint operational tasking.”
Richard’s eyes narrowed.
“Colonel?”
There it was.
He had never once asked my rank during the morning’s humiliation. He had simply assumed whatever fit the story he preferred.
I had worn subdued insignia beneath my jacket when I arrived and removed the jacket after being seated at the back. He had not looked closely enough to notice.
“Yes,” I said. “Colonel.”
Tyler laughed once, then stopped when nobody joined him.
Richard looked at Vance. “In what capacity?”
“I cannot discuss the tasking.”
“I have three stars.”
Vance’s face remained neutral. “And this still is not a need-to-know conversation, sir.”
A visible shock moved through the officers nearest us.
Richard was accustomed to rank opening doors.
For the first time that morning, one remained closed.
I put the sealed return envelope beneath my arm.
“You told this room I was a glorified secretary,” I said.
Richard lifted his chin. “I described the work you told the family you did.”
“No. I told the family I worked in logistics and planning.”
“Paperwork.”
“Sometimes.”
“Then what exactly are you claiming?”
I looked around the auditorium.
“Nothing.”
He blinked.
“I do not need to claim anything. Colonel Vance came because my actual chain of command needed me. That is enough.”
Richard’s face reddened.
He turned toward the officers.
“This family disagreement is over.”
