The courtroom fell silent.
“Yes, Your Honor,” I said clearly. “I am a Senior Trial Counsel with the United States Army Judge Advocate General’s Corps. I prosecute war crimes, felony fraud, and treason. I have practiced law for seven years.”
My father’s smile froze.
Mr. Sterling dropped his pen.
“I have never been unemployed,” I continued. “The months I ‘disappeared’ were deployments to Iraq and Germany. My parents didn’t know about my career because much of my work is confidential, and because they never bothered to ask.”
Judge Halloway leaned back.
“Mr. Sterling,” she said coldly, “you spent three hours telling this court that this woman is an incompetent drifter with no legal understanding.”
Sterling stammered.
“Your Honor, my clients told me—”
