His smile became more contemptuous.
“You expect me to believe you’re an officer?”
“I don’t need you to believe anything.”
The answer landed badly.
His face colored.
Behind Jessica, the speaker continued honoring service members who had died overseas.
The contrast sharpened the ugliness of the moment.
Crawford moved closer.
“You’re standing at a military event with no visible rank.”
“I’m here as a guest.”
“In uniform.”
“Yes.”
“Without identification.”
“I have identification.”
“Then show me.”
“No.”
The refusal surprised several people nearby.
Jessica heard the small change in the crowd.
Not words.
Breathing.
Movement.
Unease.
Crawford’s eyes narrowed.
“Excuse me?”
“I said no.”
His fingers dug deeper into her arm.
“You’re coming with me.”
Jessica looked down at his grip.
“You should take your hand off me first.”
“Or what?”
Jessica raised her eyes.
“Nothing good happens after this point.”
She said it quietly.
