“No.”
He glanced toward the cameras.
“You’re really going to make me do this?”
I studied his face.
There was no hesitation in it.
No visible shame.
He wasn’t asking whether I was guilty.
He knew the money wasn’t his.
He was asking whether I would surrender before he publicly destroyed me.
I walked past him.
Behind me, he called out, “You should’ve listened to your father.”
I didn’t turn around.
And less than an hour later, when Captain Shaw finally entered the courtroom with that sealed black case, I realized my father had made one very serious mistake.
He had mistaken my refusal to explain myself for an inability to prove the truth.
My father repeated the word as if Captain Shaw had spoken in another language.
Then he laughed.
“Oh, come on.”
Judge Sloan raised one hand.
“Mr. Mercer, remain seated.”
Harold ignored her.
“That’s exactly what I’m talking about! She’s got someone else wearing a costume now!”
Captain Shaw didn’t even look at him.
He approached the bench and placed the black case on the clerk’s table.
“Captain Daniel Shaw, United States Navy Judge Advocate General’s Corps. I am appearing as counsel for Commander Mercer. I apologize for the delay.”
The judge examined his credentials.
“And the woman accompanying you?”
She stepped forward.
“Department of Defense Inspector General’s office, Your Honor. I’m here to authenticate the military records submitted in this matter and address the allegations involving military status and documentation.”
Pike stood.
“Your Honor, we object to this theatrical entrance. My client is a retired first sergeant. He has served his country honorably, and now the respondent is bringing people in uniforms to intimidate him.”
Shaw opened his briefcase but left the sealed container untouched.
“Mr. Pike, I’m not here to intimidate your client.”
“Then why is that case sealed?”
“Because the documents contain protected information.”
Pike spread his hands.
“Convenient. Again.”
The judge leaned forward.
“Mr. Pike, you will have the opportunity to examine any evidence properly admitted against your client. Captain Shaw, explain precisely what you’re asking this court to consider.”
Shaw nodded.
