Daniel covered his mouth with one hand.
I looked away.
There are punishments no court can design.
Noah stepped back and took Ethan’s hand.
Sophia hugged Margaret with careful politeness. Ethan allowed Margaret to kiss the top of his head after asking, “Is this a one-time permission or recurring?” which made her laugh while crying.
Then we walked toward the front hall.
The Reynolds relatives parted for us.
No one whispered now.
At the door, General Paul stopped me.
“Commander Reynolds.”
I turned.
The old man’s eyes were heavy.
“The family failed you.”
I looked at him.
“Yes.”
He nodded once, accepting the weight without argument.
“If there is any assistance within my power, it is yours.”
“My children are not a family restoration project,” I said.
“No,” he replied. “They are the only innocent Reynolds in this house.”
That answer, at least, was honest.
Outside, the snow had thickened.
