“Keep that answer.”
He smiled too.
“Yes, ma’am.”
As he walked away, Patricia said, “You terrify people.”
Jessica frowned.
“I do not.”
“He looked like he was approaching a bear.”
“That’s rank.”
“No.”
Patricia smiled faintly.
“That’s you.”
Jessica rolled her eyes.
For a few minutes, they felt like mother and daughter again.
Not officer and civilian.
Not survivor and witness.
Just family.
Then Staff Sergeant Miller returned.
He looked troubled.
“Major.”
Jessica turned.
“Yes?”
“They’re doing a preliminary breath test on Captain Crawford.”
Jessica waited.
Miller swallowed.
“It registered alcohol.”
Patricia looked at Jessica.
Jessica’s face did not change.
Miller continued.
“They’re taking him for formal testing.”
Jessica nodded.
“Understood.”
The staff sergeant looked uncomfortable.
“I thought you should know.”
“Thank you.”
He started to leave.
Jessica stopped him.
“Miller.”
“Yes, ma’am?”
“Don’t spread the number.”
He looked surprised.
“I won’t.”
