Chapter 5 - The General Steps In
The sharp rap of knuckles against the door frame wasn't the tentative knock of a nurse or a hospital orderly. It was the rhythmic, iron-clad cadence of military discipline.
Grant didn't turn around immediately, annoyed by the interruption. "We're busy here," he snapped over his shoulder. "Come back later."
The figure standing in the doorway didn't leave. Instead, heavy, polished boots stepped across the threshold. The silver stars catching the fluorescent hospital lights gleamed with undeniable authority.
It was General Marcus Vance—no relation to Jessica, but a man whose name struck absolute terror and reverence into anyone connected to the Department of Defense. Three polished silver stars gleamed on each of his shoulders. Behind him stood two armed military police officers, their faces carved from stone.
Grant’s smug expression froze. The color drained from Jessica’s face as she instinctively stepped back, her eyes widening at the sight of three general stars.
General Vance didn't look at Grant. He didn't look at Jessica. His eyes locked entirely on me, sitting upright in the hospital bed with my newborn daughter in my arms.
To absolute horror, the three-star general came to a sharp, flawless halt at the foot of my bed, raised his right hand in a crisp, immaculate military salute, and held it.
"Colonel Langley," General Vance’s voice boomed through the quiet room, rich with profound respect. "Reporting as requested, ma'am. The perimeter is secure."
Grant’s jaw dropped so low I thought it might unhinge. Jessica clutched her handbag, her knuckles turning white.
May you like
"General... General, you must be mistaken," Grant stammered, stepping forward with a nervous, fawning laugh. "There's been a mix-up. This is just... she's just Tessa. She's an admin officer. I'm Grant Holloway, corporate strategist—"
General Vance finally turned his gaze toward Grant. The look in the general's eyes was absolute ice.
