My mother-in-law shaved my head while I slept on the very night the United States Army promoted me into one of the most important commands of my career.

“You don’t understand what she’ll do,” Ryan said quickly. “You think this is about money, but it isn’t. Not really.”

“Then what is it about?”

He glanced at the corners of the interview room, at the camera, at Agent Price.

“I can’t say it here.”

Agent Price stepped forward. “Mr. Whitaker, this is your opportunity to cooperate.”

Ryan gave a sharp, frightened laugh. “You think you’re in charge because you have a badge? You have no idea how many badges she’s collected.”

The air seemed to thin.