Farewell, Admiral
Even if it were just for appearances—for the reputation of a senior military officer—he would play the part.
The crowd behind me slowly dispersed. West lingered for a moment longer, searching, then finally withdrew his gaze in disappointment. He turned back to me and forced a smile. Without either of us asking or explaining, we both understood what it meant.
We walked one after the other into the parking lot. He opened the rear door for me, and I smiled faintly before getting in. Startled awake by the sound of the door closing, the cat sleeping in the seat beside me squinted at me groggily. After a few seconds, as if it finally recognized me, it leapt excitedly into my arms.