The velvet cloth slipped down slowly.
For one strange second, no one moved.
The red fabric fell against the limestone wall and gathered at Colonel Whitmore’s feet like spilled blood. Sunlight struck the polished bronze plaque, making the engraved letters gleam so brightly that people in the front row leaned forward to read them.
Victoria Parker did not lean forward.
She stepped back.
Her lips parted, but no sound came out.
I already knew what the plaque said.
Still, seeing it unveiled in front of everyone made my breath catch.
PARKER FAMILY READINESS AND RECOVERY CENTER
Dedicated in Honor of Sergeant Thomas Hale
For His Sacrifice, Courage, and Lifelong Commitment to Military Families
And Made Possible Through the Hale Foundation Endowment
Presented by Emily Hale Parker
