My mother-in-law shaved my head while I slept on the very night the United States Army promoted me into one of the most important commands of my career.

He was not supposed to be there.

He stood near the basement window, half inside, half out, one leg over the sill. His face streaked with soot, his eyes wild.

For one stunned second, we stared at each other.

“You were in custody,” I said.

He shook his head rapidly. “She got me out.”

“How?”

“She always has someone.”

Behind him, flames snapped higher.

Ryan clutched a metal lockbox to his chest.

“Give it to me,” I said.