Just silence.
Then families slowly began moving.
Some toward the memorial.
Some toward parked cars.
Some toward each other.
Jessica stayed where she was.
Patricia waited beside her.
A Marine colonel approached from the front rows.
Jessica recognized him only vaguely.
He stopped several feet away.
“Major Dalton?”
Jessica turned.
“Sir.”
“I’m Colonel Marcus Bennett.”
She nodded.
“I know, sir.”
He glanced toward her arm.
“You need medical?”
“No, sir.”
“Photographs?”
Jessica looked at the marks.
“They should be documented.”
“I agree.”
He paused.
“I’m also going to ensure the alcohol issue is handled appropriately.”
Jessica nodded.
“Thank you.”
Bennett looked toward the walkway where Crawford had disappeared.
“I’m sorry you were treated that way here.”
Jessica answered, “So am I.”
His expression tightened.
“That’s not what this day should have been.”
“No.”
“You want to file formally?”
“Yes.”
No hesitation.
Bennett nodded.
“Good.”
Patricia looked at Jessica.
