My sister ripped my shirt apart in front of two hundred guests and laughed at the scars across my back. For one stunned moment, even the champagne seemed to stand still.

and every person who had mocked me, Admiral Reed lifted his hand in salute.

“Captain Harrington,” he said. “Welcome home.”

The ballroom fell silent.

Celeste’s smile disappeared first.

My father’s glass slipped from his grasp and shattered on the floor.

Part 2

Someone nearby whispered, “Captain?”

Admiral Reed kept his hand raised until I returned the salute.continue reading …