Part 3: Grace

A nurse moved to my side.

“Colonel Whitmore, breathe with me.”

I tried, but the tears came anyway. I cried quietly, one hand over my mouth so I would not wake my daughter. I cried for the marriage I had tried to save long after it started sinking. I cried for the woman I had been the night before, still hoping Mark might remember who he used to be.

General Hayes waited until the nurses checked my vitals and placed a warm blanket around my shoulders.

Then he spoke softly.

“Anna.”

Not Colonel Whitmore.

Anna.

That nearly broke me again.

I had known him for six years. He had been my mentor, recommended me for assignments that changed my career, and defended me in rooms where I was not present.

He was not sentimental.

Seeing concern in his eyes made the last of my strength waver.

“I’m sorry this happened here,” he said.

“It didn’t happen because of you, sir.”

“No,” he said. “But I suspect it did not happen by accident either.”

I looked toward Elise.

She stood near the window, composed but pale.

General Hayes followed my gaze.

“Captain Warren, you will remain available for questioning.”

“Yes, sir.”

Her voice was too controlled.