Chapter 5 - The Envelope
Walker took the sealed envelope from Emma only after she nodded permission.
He checked the outer authentication code against the secure number posted inside the range office.
The response came immediately.
Valid orders.
Priority authority.
He opened the outer fold while Ryan watched.
“Chief, whatever she told you—”
Walker raised one hand.
“Do not speak.”
The phrase stunned the firing line.
Ryan was accustomed to giving that order, not receiving it.
Walker read the first page.
Then the second.
His expression hardened.
“Lieutenant Cole, step away from the weapons table.”
Ryan stared at him.
“On whose authority?”
Walker held up the orders.
“Naval Special Warfare Command, weapons evaluation directorate, and the Inspector General liaison attached to this review.”
Several operators looked toward Emma.
The black hoodie no longer appeared out of place.
It appeared deliberately ordinary.
Walker continued reading.
“Lieutenant Commander Emma Hayes is the lead evaluator for the Harrow weapons and training-integrity review.”
Ryan’s face lost color.
Emma had intentionally omitted rank insignia because the assessment required unfiltered observation.
The orders also stated that interference with her review, intimidation of witnesses, or unsafe conduct could result in immediate suspension.
Ryan looked toward the watching SEALs.
“She misrepresented herself.”
Emma spoke calmly.
“I answered every question accurately.”
“You said you were called here.”
“I was.”
“You said you weren’t a civilian.”
“I’m not.”
“You should have identified yourself.”
May you like
“You should not require visible rank to behave professionally.”
No one on the range disagreed.
