“And because,” Cade added, “your Silver Star citation was legitimate. And withheld from the public to protect operational secrecy.” The room froze. Even the skeptical spectators were forced to confront the enormity of her service.
Admiral Cade stepped back. “Lieutenant Commander Caldwell acted with extraordinary heroism in the rescue of fifteen hostages during Shadowfall. She neutralized an insurgent cell, saved American lives, and extracted sensitive intelligence under fire. That is why she was targeted for elimination.”
Selena closed her eyes briefly. She remembered every face she pulled from that compound. Every scream. Every bullet. Every second she risked everything.
Judge Kensington struck the gavel. “All charges are dismissed with immediate effect. Lieutenant Commander Caldwell is cleared of wrongdoing.”
Relief washed across the courtroom—except from Kerrigan, now sweating heavily. Cade wasn’t done. “Caldwell, report to my office tomorrow at 0800. You’re being reassigned.”
“Reassigned where, sir?” she asked.
“To a joint operational task force,” Cade replied. “Its mandate is to dismantle contractor networks like Iron Wolf. And you will lead it.”
Her expression didn’t change—but her silence spoke volumes. Admiral Cade allowed himself a faint smile. “Welcome back, Commander.”
Camera feeds weren’t allowed, but if they had been, the image of Selena Caldwell standing tall as her handcuffs were removed would have gone viral in seconds. Yet amid applause and astonished faces, a darker question hovered: If Stroud and Mercer were only pawns… who was the real architect hidden behind Iron Wolf’s curtain, waiting to strike in Part 3?
Read more on the next page ⬇️⬇️⬇️
