Chapter 3
Natalie did not join the Army for revenge.
At least, that was what she told herself.
She joined because her father believed service still meant something.
Because he had died trying to protect young soldiers from men who used rank like a weapon.
Because every time someone told Natalie to move on, she heard her father’s voice telling her the truth deserved witnesses.
So she became one.
That afternoon, the platoon had just finished a brutal field movement drill.
Natalie came running back to the end of the formation, chest heaving, sweat darkening her collar, dust streaked across her face.
She had not been last.
But Ramsey acted like she had embarrassed the flag itself.
He stormed toward her, grabbed her backpack from the ground, and lifted it high enough for everyone to see.
“Look at this,” he barked. “Private Brooks thinks she belongs here.”
Natalie stared forward.
The recruits stared forward too.
Ramsey threw the backpack hard onto the dirt near her boots.
Dust kicked up.
A folded photograph slipped from the side pocket and landed beside the bag.
Natalie’s eyes dropped for half a second.
That was all Ramsey needed.
He bent down, picked it up, and looked at it.
May you like
A slow smile spread across his face.
Read Part 4 to find out why one old photograph made Ramsey cross the line in front of everyone.
