Chapter 288

“Captain!” barked an authoritative voice from behind Steve. “You will turn around and return to your seat immediately.”

Sloan hesitated briefly, but his instinct for survival won out over his embarrassment and anger. His face flushed red as he gave a quick “Yes, sir!” and turned on his heel to return to his seat.

“Congresswoman Anderson, Lieutenant Hammer, I apologize for that unfortunate turn of events,” spoke a tall, ramrod straight Marine. “I’m Colonel Hood. Believe me when I tell you that boorish behavior like Captain Sloan just demonstrated is not tolerated in the Marine Corps. Rest assured that he will receive a reprimand and a possible demotion.”

“Will Kyle get into any trouble over this?” asked a concerned Gwen. “He’s a private, and an officer with an agenda can make things very difficult for him.”

“Again, I assure you that Private Williams will not suffer from any recriminations. Unless you’d consider the envy of every other Marine at this affair a f