The Navy gala had been planned down to the smallest detail.
Crystal glasses.
White flowers.
Gold chairs.
Senior officers in dress uniforms covered with medals.
Commander Sarah Mitchell sat near the center of the ballroom, wearing a black formal uniform and keeping her expression carefully controlled.
Across from her sat Captain Daniel Hayes.
Daniel smiled as a waiter placed drinks on the table.
Relax, Commander.
Tonight is supposed to be a celebration.
Sarah looked at the amber drink beside her plate.
I dont drink during official events.
Daniel laughed.
One glass isnt going to destroy your career.
Sarah looked at him.
Neither is saying no.
Daniel’s smile disappeared for a moment.
Then Admiral Robert Hayes entered the room.
Daniel’s father.
Everyone stood.
Robert raised his glass.
Tonight we honor the officers who protected this fleet when nobody else knew how close we came to disaster.
The room applauded.
Sarah did not.
She stared at the glass on the table.
Then at Daniel.
Because she recognized the bottle.
She had seen that same label once before.
The night another officer disappeared.
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