Their uncertainty seemed to strengthen him.
He raised his voice.
“That’s exactly what I thought.”
Jessica’s mother stepped closer again.
“Captain, let her go.”
Crawford pointed at Patricia with his free hand.
“Ma’am, stay back.”
“You are touching my daughter.”
“She is wearing a uniform under questionable circumstances.”
Patricia stared at him.
“You have no idea who she is.”
Crawford laughed again.
Jessica saw two Marines grimace.
The ceremony was losing its shape.
The speaker’s voice seemed distant now.
Crawford turned back to Jessica.
“Give me your ID.”
“No.”
“You’re refusing a direct order.”
“You haven’t established authority over me.”
His smile disappeared.
“You standing here without visible rank means I have every reason to question you.”
Jessica kept her voice even.
“You can ask questions without putting your hands on someone.”
“You don’t tell me how to do my job.”
Jessica glanced at the ribbons on his uniform.
