Chapter 2 - The General's Command
Midnight blue military dress uniform fabric rustled sharply as General Richard Vance took one heavy, deliberate step forward across the plush bedroom rug.
His gold epaulets caught the dim bedside light, casting long, rigid shadows against the framed American flag mounted firmly on the wall behind him.
Rafael stood frozen near the mahogany doorway, his dark burgundy button-down shirt clinging slightly to his sweating chest under the harsh indoor lights.
"You heard the order, son," General Vance growled, his deep, authoritative voice vibrating with suppressed, military-grade fury.
Elena clutched the dark navy blanket tighter around her shoulders, her purple wrist bruises hidden just beneath the heavy woolen fabric.
"General, please, you don't understand the pressures we've been under in Washington," Rafael stammered, his hands shaking at his sides.
"I understand cowardice, and I understand betrayal," the General interrupted coldly, never breaking his piercing eye contact with the younger man.
Two armed military police officers stepped out from the hallway shadows, their polished tactical boots clicking heavily on the hardwood floor.
"Secure the perimeter and detain Mr. Rafael immediately," General Vance commanded without turning his head an inch.
May you like
Rafael's face drained of color as iron handcuffs snapped around his wrists with a sharp, echoing metallic click.
---
