Some people who witnessed the confrontation would tell the story as a dramatic rank reveal.
Others would tell it as a drunken captain’s downfall.
Jessica knew both versions missed something.
The most important moment had happened much earlier.
Before the ID.
Before the major insignia.
Before JSOC.
It had happened when she quietly said, “Let go,” and Crawford decided her lack of visible status meant he did not have to listen.
Everything after that merely exposed what was already true.
Jessica got into the car.
Patricia started the engine.
For several seconds, neither spoke.
Then Patricia reached over and squeezed Jessica’s hand.
Jessica looked at her.
“No questions?” she asked.
Her mother smiled through tired eyes.
“Not today.”
Jessica nodded.
Outside, the flag above the diner moved gently in the evening breeze.
The road ahead was ordinary.
That was exactly what Jessica wanted.
Patricia pulled onto the highway.
