Low murmurs spread through the room.
Chloe sobbed on cue.
“And she’s taken money, our money, and cut us off completely,” Evelyn added. “I don’t even recognize her anymore.”
I stayed seated.
No reaction.
No defense.
This was exactly what I expected.
Public pressure.
Social leverage.
They thought if they made it loud enough, I would fold.
The commander finally spoke.
“Captain Harper,” he said, calm and even. “Is there something you’d like to address?”
I stood slowly.
Opened my clutch.
Removed a plain manila folder.
Then placed it on the table.
No speech.
Evidence.
He opened it.
Bank statements.
Transaction logs.
The forged power of attorney.
The quitclaim deed.
Official legal notice.
Active JAG investigation.
He read each page carefully.
Then he looked up.
Not at me.
At Richard.
His expression hardened.
“Colonel,” he said. “Retired or not.”
Richard straightened automatically.
“Sir.”
“You attempted to sell property you do not legally own,” the commander said, “using falsified documentation.”
