Then his mouth.
Then back again.
Recognition.
The smell.
He had noticed it now.
Crawford caught that look.
Something changed.
Not fear.
Embarrassment.
That embarrassed him because it came from someone beneath him in rank.
Jessica knew that type of reaction too.
People who feared exposure often escalated before retreating.
Crawford did exactly that.
“Look around,” he said loudly.
“These are actual Marines.”
Jessica did not respond.
“Men and women who earned that uniform.”
Still nothing.
“You walking around dressed like them is disgusting.”
Patricia moved forward.
“You have no idea who she is.”
Jessica looked toward her mother.
Only for a second.
Patricia’s face carried fury and restraint.
Jessica knew what her mother wanted to say.
She had spent years refusing to say it.
Not because she was ashamed.
Because Jessica had asked her not to.
Patricia knew that her daughter served.
She knew Jessica had become an officer.
