Chapter 6 - Grace in the Barracks
Inside the office, Colonel Vance laid Reese's service file on the mahogany desk. It was thick with commendations, deployments to Iraq and Syria, and a clean conduct sheet.
"Sergeant Reese," Vance said, leaning back. "Under Article 134, for conduct prejudicial to good order and discipline, I have the authority to reduce you in rank and issue a formal letter of reprimand. That will effectively end your career in this division."
Reese held his breath. His jaw muscles clenched as he prepared to take the hit.
"However," Vance continued, looking at me, "Mrs. Braddock has made an unusual request."
Reese glanced over at me in disbelief.
"Mrs. Braddock has requested that your punishment be handled within the community rather than through the Uniform Code of Military Justice," Vance said. "Beginning tomorrow morning, you are assigned sixty days of mandatory community outreach under her direct supervision. You will report to her home in Clarksville every Saturday and Sunday at 0700 hours. You will paint, you will repair, and you will listen. If she calls me even once to report insolence, your reduction in rank will be signed before sundown. Do you accept this alternative?"
Reese blinked, tears welling in the corners of his eyes. "Sir, yes, sir. Without hesitation."
Vance dismissed him. Reese stood up, turned to me, and bowed his head deeply. "Thank you, Mrs. Braddock. You don't owe me this."
May you like
"No, I don't," I said, adjusting my coat. "Be at my house at seven sharp tomorrow, Sergeant. Bring a paintbrush and work boots. And don't be late. I make breakfast at seven-fifteen."
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