“Because someone else might be next.”
That ended the argument.
The MP sergeant guided Crawford away.
No handcuffs.
No spectacle.
Just procedure.
That was somehow more sobering.
Marines stepped aside as he walked past them.
Some looked angry.
Some disappointed.
Some refused to meet his eyes.
Crawford had wanted the crowd watching Jessica.
Now every face followed him.
Jessica watched only until he reached the outer walkway.
Then she looked away.
The event coordinator approached cautiously.
“Major Dalton?”
Jessica sighed.
“Yes.”
“I truly apologize.”
“You didn’t cause it.”
“Still.”
He glanced toward the podium.
“We can pause longer.”
Jessica looked toward the Gold Star families.
Several elderly parents sat beneath the canopy.
One woman held a framed photograph against her chest.
Jessica shook her head.
“No more pausing.”
The coordinator nodded.
“Understood.”
He walked back toward the microphone.
The crowd remained unsettled.
Jessica knew the ceremony could not simply restart.
