Chapter 7
Ramsey’s jaw tightened.
“Ma’am, that matter was reviewed years ago.”
“No,” Mercer said. “That matter was buried years ago.”
The training field went completely still.
Ramsey looked at Natalie.
This time, hatred showed clearly.
“You planned this,” he said.
Natalie held his stare.
“No. You did.”
Colonel Mercer turned toward the formation.
“Did Staff Sergeant Ramsey strike Private Brooks?”
No one answered.
Ramsey’s mouth twitched.
Fear still had roots here.
Mercer’s voice dropped.
“I am not asking because I lack evidence. I am asking because every soldier standing here needs to decide whether their integrity depends on permission.”
A long second passed.
Then Private Marcus Reed spoke.
“Yes, ma’am. He hit her.”
Ramsey whipped around.
Reed’s face went pale, but he did not take it back.
Then Hannah Lewis said, “He threw her backpack first, ma’am.”
Another voice followed.
“He’s been targeting her all cycle.”
Another.
“He made Foster train on a sprained ankle and told medical she lied.”
Another.
“He changes records.”
The truth did not explode.
It opened.
One voice at a time.
Ramsey shouted, “Shut your mouths!”
Colonel Mercer stepped in front of him.
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“You will not address these recruits again.”
Read Part 8 to find out why the military police were already waiting before Ramsey ever slapped her.
