As General Caldwell closed the remaining distance, his voice cut through the tense silence with measured authority. “Sergeant, you will stand at ease.”
Lawson turned, ready to unleash another tirade, but the words caught in his throat as he met Caldwell’s gaze—a gaze that had seen the horrors of war and commanded respect without uttering a single word. The color drained from his face as he realized his mistake, like a child caught with his hand in the cookie jar.
“Sir, I—” Lawson stammered, his bravado evaporating under Caldwell’s unyielding stare.
