Adrian looked up at her, his face pale. “Karen?”

“Special Agent Karen Vance, Naval Criminal Investigative Service,” she corrected calmly. She turned to me and gave a brief, respectful nod. “Ma’am. The paper trail from the harbor master’s office is fully secured. We have the original logs.”

Adrian looked from Agent Vance back to me, the realization finally settling deep into his chest. The date, the red dress, the quiet answers—none of it was a game. He had spent the evening attempting to intimidate the lead investigator of his own inquiry.

“I apologize,” Adrian said, his voice barely audible above the quiet hum of the restaurant. His hands were clasped together, his posture rigid. “I misjudged the situation.”

“You misjudged the person,” I said, picking up the velvet case and placing it safely back into my bag. I stood up, adjusting my coat over my shoulders. “Your promotion board has been suspended pending a full review of your conduct, both professional and personal.”

He sat frozen in his chair, unable to look up as I stepped away from the table.

I walked out of the Harbor Room into the cool evening air of the Chesapeake Bay, the heavy wooden doors closing quietly behind me. The cool breeze hit my face, carrying the clean, sharp scent of salt water. I pulled my phone from my pocket and saw a text from my mother: How is he? Isn’t he a impressive man?

I paused for a moment, looking out at the dark horizon where the ships navigated by the lights of the shore.

I typed a brief reply: He was exactly what you said, Mom. Decisive.

Then I slid the phone back into my pocket and walked toward the waiting car.