“I have before me a verified statement of service from the Director of National Intelligence,” he continues. “It confirms that Elena Vance has maintained continuous active federal service for the relevant period. It further confirms that the entity referenced as North Atlantic Logistics Group is a lawful cover designation established under federal authority. The blank spaces you describe are not evidence of failure. They are evidence of protected service.”
Robert’s jaw goes loose.
Ashley makes a sound I have never heard from her before—small, wet, involuntary.
Judge Miller continues, and now even Gerald has stopped trying to interrupt.
“For the last fifteen years, Elena Vance has served in senior operations leadership under the Central Intelligence Agency.”
The room does not merely fall silent.
It goes cold.