After that regrettable scene at the gate, the last thing we need is more attention. With respect, sir, my duty is to ensure Private Mercer reaches his family with dignity. Your duty is to follow orders. The polish slipped for just a moment, revealing steel underneath. I'm trying to protect you here, Sergeant.
Don't turn a simple paperwork review into a career issue. After the call ended, Tonya stepped closer. He's worried about something bigger than an airport incident. Yes. Elijah tucked his phone away.
And he's not even trying to hide the pressure. They walked back to where Noah's coffin waited under guard. The flag's red stripes seemed darker in the evening light filtering through terminal windows. Elijah pulled out his escort checklist. I need to perform the hourly visual verification, he said.
Protocol requires checking the remains and container integrity during any transfer delay. Tonya nodded to the guards who stepped back respectfully. With practiced movements, Elijah opened the outer transport container and lifted the coffin lid just enough to conduct his inspection. The familiar weight of duty settled over him as he looked down at Noah Mercer's dress uniform. Then he saw it.
Near Noah's right wrist, partially visible beneath his sleeve, was a pattern of bruising that made Elijah's combat-trained instincts flare. The discoloration wasn't consistent with the equipment accident described in the death report. Those marks looked defensive. He carefully closed the lid, his movements mechanical while his mind raced. Lena's warning about Noah's last call, the suspicious hold appearing right after the airport confrontation, Voss's immediate pressure to surrender documentation, and now injury patterns that contradicted the official story.
"Something's wrong," he said quietly to Tanya. "This isn't just about delayed paperwork. " She glanced around the hallway before responding. "I can help. The airport has a secure mortuary annex for situations requiring temporary storage. Climate-controlled, constant security, everything by the book.
I can arrange space there while you fight this hold order. You're already involved more than you should be. " "I'm involved exactly as much as I choose to be. " Tonya's expression hardened. "I spent 12 years in uniform. I know what it means to bring someone's child home, and I know what it looks like when people in authority try to bury something. " Elijah nodded, grateful for her clarity. He pulled out his phone again and dialed Lena Mercer's number.
She answered immediately. "Mrs. Mercer," he said, "I need you to know that I'm staying with Noah tonight. The hold order is still in effect, but I've arranged secure storage here at the airport. I will not let him out of my sight. " "You found something, didn't you? " Her voice was steady.
"Yes, ma'am, and I'm going to find out more. I promise you, your son won't disappear into paperwork and excuses. Whatever happened to him, we're going to uncover the truth. " "Thank you, Sergeant Booker. " She paused. "Noah would have trusted you. I can hear it in your voice.
You're a man who understands duty isn't just about following orders. " After ending the call, Elijah turned to Tanya. "This could cost both of us. " "Probably," she agreed. "But some things matter more than careers. " They supervised the careful transfer of Noah's coffin to the mortuary annex. The space was clean and cool with proper lighting and security cameras. Elijah watched every movement, ensuring the flag remained perfectly draped, the container properly secured.