This subject is being uncooperative. " Elijah stood straighter, if that was possible. "Officers, I have been transporting Private Mercer for 19 hours. I have not left his side. These orders are authentic and I am following sacred military protocol for escorting our fallen home. " Kessler spoke into his radio while Holloway circled Elijah like a predator. "Sacred protocol?
Is that what you call loitering beside a suspicious package? For all we know, you grabbed that uniform from a surplus store. " The terminal had gone completely silent except for the airport announcements echoing in the distance. Phones recorded from every angle now. A young girl tugged her mother's sleeve and whispered, "Why are they being mean to the soldier? " Elijah felt the weight of those watching eyes, the shame of being treated like a criminal beside the very coffin he was charged to protect. But he thought of Noah's mother waiting in Ohio, of the sacred duty he'd sworn to fulfill.
His voice came out steady and clear. "Sergeant Holloway, I am a 28-year veteran of the United States Army. I am escorting Private First Class Noah Mercer, age 24, back to his family. Every second you delay us is a second longer his mother has to wait to lay her son to rest. A teenager in the crowd called out, "Leave him alone. " Others joined in with muttered agreements.
Holloway's face reddened. "Back up, all of you. This is a security matter. " He turned back to Elijah. "Last warning. Step away from the coffin now. " Elijah's hands remained at his sides, his bearing perfect.
"I cannot and will not abandon my post or my duty to Private Mercer. " "Oh, you will. " Holloway growled. "That's an order. " Holloway's boots scraped against the terminal floor as he stepped closer to Elijah. "Move. Now. " "Sir, I cannot leave Private Mercer unattended. " Elijah's voice remained steady, though his jaw tightened. "Military protocol requires the escort to maintain direct supervision of the fallen at all times during transport. " "I don't care about your protocol. " Holloway's hand settled on his radio.
"This is airport security protocol now. " More phones emerged from the growing crowd. A flight attendant pressed against the wall, her hand covering her mouth. Near the gate desk, two businessmen in suits stopped their conversation to watch. "The soldier in this casket gave his life for this country. " Elijah said. "He deserves to be treated with respect and dignity during his final journey home. " Kessler shifted nervously, glancing between Holloway and the recording phones.
"Sarge, maybe we should "Shut it. " Holloway snapped. He jabbed a finger toward Elijah's chest. "You don't make the rules here. Your attitude is becoming a problem. " "My attitude? " Elijah's eyes narrowed slightly. "I have been nothing but professional and cooperative.
I showed you my credentials. I explained my duty. The only problem here is your refusal to recognize my authority as a casualty escort. A woman in business attire spoke up from the crowd. He's just doing his job.
Leave him alone. Stay back. Holloway barked at the onlookers. This is a security situation. The only security situation, Elijah said carefully, is that you are preventing me from completing my mission to escort Private Mercer home to his mother.
Holloway's face flushed red. Kessler, remove him from the casket. Yes, sir. Kessler grabbed Elijah's arm, yanking him sideways. The sudden movement caused the trolley to shift.
The flag-draped coffin slid several inches with a horrible scraping sound. Gasps erupted from the crowd. Someone shouted, "No! " A child started crying. Elijah's expression transformed from controlled calm to barely contained fury. He pulled his arm free and stepped between Kessler and the casket, his voice dropping to a dangerous whisper.