Chapter 2 - The Ambush at the Gate
Two days later, at 1600 hours, I exited the garrison medical center. The North Carolina humidity hung thick in the air.
As I approached the visitor parking lot, a commotion caught my eye. A familiar black Lincoln Navigator was parked haphazardly across two lanes. Mara stood beside the driver's door, wearing an oversized trench coat and dark sunglasses, loudly arguing with two young Military Police officers.
"Do you know who I am?" she shrilled, her voice carrying across the asphalt. "I am Captain Barrett’s sister! He is withholding family assets and abusing his military authority!"
I walked forward with measured steps, hands loosely clasped behind my back. The MPs turned, instantly saluting. "Captain Barrett, ma'am. This individual is refusing to clear the thoroughfare."
"Stand down, Sergeant," I said quietly. I turned my gaze toward Mara. "You crossed the post boundary. This isn't civilian suburban court; this is federal jurisdiction."
Mara yanked off her sunglasses, eyes rimmed in red. "You blocked my number. Mom is in tears. Landon’s business accounts are frozen! You think you’re a hero behind that uniform? Sign the restructuring, Barrett, or I swear to God I will call every local news station in Fayetteville."
"You have five minutes to leave federal property before you are detained for trespassing and civilian harassment," I said without raising my voice.
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From the front passenger seat, Landon glared at me through the tinted glass, his jaw clenched, Dad’s silver Zippo turning nervously in his thick fingers. They had no cards left except bluffing.
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