Chapter 8
Commander Cole looked at the military police.
“Remove him from the field.”
Briggs stood too fast, rage taking over fear.
“You’re making a mistake,” he said. “You’re all making a mistake. She is the problem. Operators like her come in here thinking rules don’t apply.”
Riley stepped closer.
Her voice stayed calm.
“No, Briggs. Men like you think rank means no one can stop you.”
Briggs glared at her.
“You ruined my career.”
Riley looked at the five hundred soldiers around them.
“No. You did that in front of witnesses.”
The MPs took Briggs by the arms.
This time, he did not resist.
Not because he was sorry.
Because the cameras were still recording.
As they escorted him out of the ring, the soldiers parted.
No one saluted him.
No one defended him.
No one even looked proud to have followed him.
Briggs’s boots dragged through the dust as he passed the same troops he had spent years terrifying.
And Riley watched until he was gone.
Only then did her hand return to her ribs.
Cole noticed immediately.
“Medical,” he called.
Riley shook her head.
“I’m fine.”
Cole gave her a look.
“You say that every time you’re not fine.”
A few soldiers heard it.
Their eyes widened.
Because that was when it truly settled in.
Commander Cole knew her.
Not as a recruit.
Not as a trainee.
As someone who had earned his trust.
Medical rushed in and checked Riley’s side.
Bruised ribs.
Swollen thigh.
No fracture.
May you like
She stood through the exam, stubborn as ever.
Read Part 9 to find out how Riley made sure Briggs could never hide behind rank again.
