Never loudly.
Never dramatically.
Just with certainty.
Patricia had always wondered where that certainty came from.
Now she was beginning to understand how much of her daughter’s life existed outside family knowledge.
The event coordinator motioned toward two military police officers near the outer walkway.
They began approaching.
Crawford saw them.
Relief flashed through his face.
He finally believed reinforcements were coming for him.
Jessica felt something close to pity.
Not enough to erase what he had done.
Enough to understand how completely he had trapped himself.
The military police arrived.
A young sergeant looked at Crawford’s hand first.
“Sir, what’s happening?”
Crawford answered quickly.
“Possible impersonation. She refuses to provide identification.”
The MP looked at Jessica.
“Ma’am?”
Jessica said, “I’ve asked him multiple times to release my arm.”
The sergeant looked back at Crawford.
“Sir, please let her go.”
Crawford stared at him.
“She may be impersonating an officer.”
