He nodded once.
“Thank you, ma’am.”
Patricia watched him leave.
Then she looked at Jessica.
“Joint Special Operations Command?”
Jessica closed her eyes briefly.
“Mom.”
“You never told me that.”
“I couldn’t.”
Patricia folded her arms.
“You told a drunk captain before you told your mother.”
Jessica almost laughed.
Almost.
“That’s not exactly how I planned it.”
Patricia stared at her.
Then the anger drained from her face.
Something more vulnerable replaced it.
“How much don’t I know?”
Jessica looked toward the memorial wall.
“A lot.”
Patricia swallowed.
“Are you safe?”
Jessica did not answer immediately.
That was answer enough.
Patricia’s eyes filled.
Jessica reached for her hand.
“I’m here.”
Her mother squeezed back.
“That wasn’t what I asked.”
“I know.”
The microphone clicked alive again.
The event coordinator stepped to the podium.
“Thank you for your patience.”
The crowd settled slowly.
