Vice Admiral.
I adjusted my collar, feeling the heavy, undeniable weight of my command. Pinned to my chest were ribbons and medals the public wasn’t even allowed to know existed: the Defense Distinguished Service Medal, the Silver Star, and a Presidential Unit Citation earned in the blood and dust of covert battlefields.
Taking a deep breath, I stepped out of the shadows and walked straight toward the VIP entrance.
Marcus was still standing by the heavy oak doors, talking to the Sergeant at arms. When he saw the flash of white out of the corner of his eye, he turned, his face twisting in immediate annoyance.
“I thought I told you to—”
The words died in his throat. His eyes dropped to my chest, scanning the impossible rows of ribbons, then shot up to my shoulders. All the blood drained from his face, leaving him looking like a terrified, cornered child.
