Chapter 7: The General in the Window
Brigadier General Nathan Cross didn't move.
He stood behind the second-floor window of the administration building, one hand behind his back, staring directly toward us.
Victor's voice remained on speaker.
"Do you see him?""
Nobody answered.
Captain Brooks motioned for Nolan to keep tracing the call.
Victor laughed softly.
"Careful, Captain. Your face gives everything away.""
Brooks's eyes snapped toward the phone.
"You can see us?""
"Goodbye, Sarah.""
"Victor—"
The call ended.
Nolan worked rapidly.
"Nothing useful. Routed through multiple relays.""
Reed stared across the courtyard.
Cross was gone.
Keller sat heavily in a chair.
"We need to leave.""
Brooks turned.
"Why?""
"Because if Cross knows Raymond's drive survived, this building isn't secure.""
I looked at Keller.
"You're saying General Cross runs this?""
"I'm saying I don't know.""
"That's not what your face says.""
Keller rubbed both hands over his head.
For the first time, he didn't look like an officer.
He looked like a man who hadn't slept properly in years.
"Cross introduced me to Hale.""
"When?""
"Eighteen months ago.""
Brooks stepped closer.
"For what purpose?""
"Logistics efficiency.""
Reed scoffed.
Keller ignored him.
"Hale's company could move equipment quickly. Cross wanted delays reduced. Inspections became lighter.""
"And then?""
"Victor started asking for favors.""
"What favors?""
"Changing receiving times. Approving late transfers. Signing movement authorizations after the fact.""
"Did you take money?""
Keller closed his eyes.
"Yes.""
My stomach turned.
"How much?""
"At first? Five thousand.""
"At first?""
His shame deepened.
"Eventually more.""
Reed shook his head.
"You sold access.""
"I told myself it was paperwork.""
"You forged my Marine's signature.""
Keller looked at me.
"I didn't forge it.""
"You allowed it.""
He couldn't deny that.
Captain Brooks picked up the evidence drive.
"We need independent custody.""
Nolan nodded.
"If Cross is involved, normal command channels may be compromised.""
Brooks looked toward the window.
Then she made a decision.
"Nobody contacts General Cross.""
Keller gave a bitter laugh.
"You think he doesn't already know?""
The office door opened.
All of us turned.
A lieutenant colonel I recognized from headquarters stood outside with two senior security personnel.
"Captain Brooks.""
Brooks straightened.
"Sir.""
"General Cross wants everyone in his conference room immediately.""
Nobody spoke.
The lieutenant colonel frowned.
"Was that unclear?""
Brooks answered carefully.
"We're preserving evidence connected to an active investigation.""
"I know.""
My heart sank.
How?
Brooks hadn't reported the contents of Raymond's files through ordinary channels.
The lieutenant colonel looked at the laptop.
"The general specifically requested that computer.""
Keller whispered, "Don't.""
The lieutenant colonel heard him.
"Major Keller, you're in enough trouble already.""
Brooks closed the laptop.
"Sir, I need written authorization before transferring evidence.""
"You'll receive it upstairs.""
"Then I'll bring it myself.""
He studied her.
"Fine.""
We crossed the courtyard together.
Every step felt wrong.
Marines moved normally around us.
Vehicles passed.
Someone laughed near the barracks.
It was unsettling how ordinary everything looked.
General Cross's conference room was enormous.
Flags stood behind a polished wooden table.
Cross waited at the far end.
He was in his late fifties, silver-haired, broad-shouldered, decorated enough that I had to force myself not to stare at his ribbons.
He looked at me first.
"Corporal Miller.""
"Sir.""
"I understand you've had an eventful afternoon.""
I said nothing.
Cross looked at Brooks.
"Sit.""
Nobody moved.
His expression cooled.
"That wasn't a suggestion.""
We sat.
Cross remained standing.
"I've been informed that Victor Hale assaulted Corporal Miller, attempted to falsify evidence, and may be involved in theft of government property.""
Brooks watched him carefully.
"Who informed you, sir?""
A pause.
"My staff.""
"Which member?""
Cross smiled.
"Are you interviewing me, Captain?""
"I'm establishing who has knowledge of an active investigation.""
The smile disappeared.
"I have knowledge because I command this installation.""
He extended his hand.
"The drive.""
Brooks didn't move.
Cross's voice hardened.
"Captain.""
"The evidence is being duplicated.""
"I didn't ask.""
Brooks held his gaze.
"Sir, given the sensitivity—"
"Enough.""
Cross walked around the table.
He stopped behind me.
I could feel his presence without turning.
Then he spoke quietly.
"Corporal Miller, you've had a difficult day. You were assaulted. Your home was entered. You've been threatened.""
"Yes, sir.""
"That can affect judgment.""
My hands tightened under the table.
"I'm clearheaded, sir.""
"I'm sure you believe that.""
Reed shifted beside me.
Cross continued.
"I want you off duty for seventy-two hours.""
I turned.
"Sir?""
"For your protection.""
"I'd rather stay.""
"That's not your decision.""
He looked toward Reed.
"You too.""
Reed frowned.
"Why me?""
"You are emotionally involved.""
Reed almost laughed.
"With respect, sir—"
"Sergeant.""
One word stopped him.
Cross returned to his chair.
"Captain Brooks will transfer all evidence to my office. Major Keller will remain in custody pending formal investigation.""
Keller suddenly leaned forward.
"Ask him about Raymond.""
Cross's expression didn't change.
Brooks looked between them.
"General, did you know Marcus Raymond?""
"Of course.""
"Did you know he was investigating Hale?""
"No.""
Keller laughed.
Cross looked at him.
"Something amusing, Major?""
"You always were good at that.""
"At what?""
"Sounding disappointed while you bury someone.""
The room became painfully still.
Cross stood.
"I think we're finished.""
Keller shook his head.
"No.""
Then he looked at me.
"Sarah, ask him where he was the night Raymond died.""
Cross's eyes turned cold.
"Major Keller.""
"Ask him.""
I swallowed.
"Sir... where were you?""
Cross stared at me for several seconds.
Then he smiled.
"At home.""
Keller leaned back.
"No, you weren't.""
Cross's smile vanished.
Keller pointed toward the laptop.
"Raymond wasn't the only one who kept copies.""
And suddenly I understood.
Keller had evidence Cross didn't know existed.
Cross understood too.
"Where?"" he asked.
May you like
Keller smiled for the first time.
"Now who's asking the wrong question?""
