“But I also understand that no active operation authorizes the falsification of military maintenance records.”
Cross stared at the paper.
It was a copy of the original report submitted by Staff Sergeant Turner.
The signature at the bottom belonged to Colonel Andrew Pierce.
Cross looked up.
“Where did you get this?”
“From the man who submitted it.”
“Turner?”
“Yes.”
The general's expression hardened.
“Staff Sergeant Turner was not authorized to access those records.”
“He was authorized to inspect aircraft safety.”
“Not the transfer schedule.”
“Then why was his report altered?”
Cross stood.
“Colonel, I think you should stop this investigation until we clarify the chain of command.”
Hayes didn't move.
“Are you ordering me to stop?”
Cross looked at her for a long moment.
Then he said:
“I'm advising you.”
Hayes picked up the document.
“That's not the same thing.”
“No.”
His voice lowered.
“And I suggest you remember the difference.”
For the first time, Hayes saw something behind his polite expression.
Not anger.
Not concern.
Fear.
Cross was afraid of something.
Or someone.
Hayes turned toward the door.
“General?”
“Yes?”
“One more thing.”
She paused.
“If you receive a call from Colonel Pierce, don't answer it.”
Cross's eyes narrowed.
“Why?”
“Because according to the official military death record, Colonel Andrew Pierce was buried six months ago.”
Hayes left the office.
Behind her, General Cross remained motionless.
Then he slowly reached for his desk phone.