Chapter 10 - The Arrival of the SEALs
Before the crowd could even process the thunderous salute, the main glass doors leading from the patio swung open.
In walked Master Chief Daniel Mason, flanked by twenty-four active and retired Navy SEALs in sharp dress attire.
These were men with thick necks, scarred faces, and eyes that had seen the absolute absolute worst of humanity.
They lined up in two flawless parallel rows, creating an honor escort path straight from the door to the head table.
The high-society Virginia guests held their breath, completely mesmerized by the quiet, dangerous discipline of the men.
Mason stepped out of the formation, walked directly up to me, and rendered a razor-sharp, crisp military salute.
"Rear Admiral Bennett," Mason said, his gravelly voice carrying clearly to every single corner of the silent room.
"The men of Special Warfare Group Two are here to escort you through your final official watch, ma'am."
"We heard your family didn't think thirty-six years of leadership was worth celebrating."
"So we brought the fleet to you."
Tears pricked at the backs of my eyes, but I held them in check through sheer, unyielding military composure.
"At ease, Master Chief," I said, returning his salute with absolute, flawless precision.
"Thank you for the escort."
My sister Melanie looked terrified, cowering slightly behind Ethan as twenty-five battle-tested warriors filled the hall.
"What is happening?" Melanie cried out, looking wildly at her father for some kind of explanation or control.
"Dad, do something! They're ruining my wedding!"
My father stepped forward, his fists clenched tightly at his sides, trying desperately to regain control of his room.
"Get these people out of here!" my father screamed at the country club staff standing wide-eyed near the kitchen.
"I am paying for this venue! I want these military thugs removed from this building immediately!"
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Nobody moved an inch.
The country club manager, himself a Marine Corps veteran, simply stood near the bar with his arms crossed tightly.
