Chapter 9 - The Base Reception
Two days later, Colonel Claire Bennett stepped onto the parade grounds at Fort Meade under a bright, clear blue sky.
Hundreds of uniformed soldiers stood at strict attention, line after line of dress uniforms reflecting the morning sun.
General Vance stepped forward on the reviewing stand, holding a mahogany box containing the Legion of Merit medal.
"For exceptional meritorious service, unshakeable courage under fire, and absolute dedication to justice," the General announced, pinning the medal onto Claire's chest.
The entire battalion broke into thunderous applause, the sharp cadence of dress shoes snapping together in a salute of profound respect.
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Claire saluted her commander, her eyes clear, her heart free from the shadow of betrayal that had hung over her life for three years.
👉 What final judicial sentence awaited Beckett and Mary at their federal sentencing trial?
