“Sir,” I said with a nod.
“Welcome back,” he said. “Heard you had a rough deployment.”
“Nothing I couldn’t handle.”
Before he could continue, Evelyn appeared beside us.
“Oh, she’s being modest,” she said with a soft laugh. “It’s been difficult.”
I didn’t look at her.
“She’s had a lot of stress,” Evelyn continued. “We’re just trying to give her space to adjust.”
Major Collins shifted slightly.
Tiny movement.
But I noticed.
This was how Evelyn worked.
Not accusations.
Suggestions.
Plant the idea first, then let everything I did afterward be interpreted through it.
“I’m fine,” I said.
Simple.
Direct.
Evelyn smiled as though my answer proved her point.
“Of course you are, honey,” she said gently. “We all just want what’s best for you.”
Concern used as control.
I took a sparkling water from the table.
No alcohol.
I wanted a clear head.
As I moved around the yard, I listened.
Richard mentioned I might need time.
Combat zones changed people.
Good thing I had family.
Every comment carefully framed.
By the time I told anyone the truth, they wanted everyone prepared to question it.
Smart.
Almost impressive.
I stopped near the grill.
Vance looked up.
“Hey Harper,” he said like we were old friends. “Good to see you back.”
“Lieutenant.”
His smile twitched.
Rank mattered to men like him.
“How is overseas?” he asked.
“Hot,” I said.
He laughed too loudly.
“Yeah, I bet. Nothing like being back home though, right?”
I looked directly at him.
“Depends on the home.”
His smile remained, but his eyes changed.
Chloe moved beside him and slipped her arm through his.
“We made your room really nice,” she said. “I think you’ll like the basement once it’s finished.”
Once it was finished.
