“I’ve spent twenty-two years teaching younger soldiers that authority comes with responsibility.”
He looked directly at Cleary.
“Destroying someone’s property because you don’t believe them isn’t leadership.”
The words settled between them.
Hannah remained silent.
Cleary looked toward the dry grass.
For the first time, he seemed less angry than embarrassed.
But embarrassment would not repair the damage.
And Isaiah had already decided that the encounter deserved a formal review.
Chapter 10: The Veterans Center That Was Waiting for Him
When Isaiah finally reached Coopersville, the sun was beginning to set.
He drove toward the Veterans Resource Center on Main Street.
The building was modest.
A single-story brick structure with an American flag near the entrance.
Inside, volunteers were preparing for the next day’s program.
The director, Margaret Dawson, hurried toward him when he entered.
“Mr. Brooks!”
Isaiah smiled.
“Please call me Isaiah.”
Margaret looked relieved.
“We were worried. Evelyn called and told us there had been a problem.”
Isaiah nodded.
“There was.”
Margaret noticed his tired expression.
“Are you all right?”
“Yes.”
He hesitated.
“But I’m going to need help replacing some identification.”
Margaret frowned.
He explained what happened.
Her expression changed from confusion to disbelief.
“The sheriff destroyed your military ID?”
Isaiah nodded.
“Yes.”
Margaret looked toward the folder in his hand.
“Did you get everything documented?”
“As much as possible.”
She took a slow breath.
“We’ll help you find the correct military office to arrange a replacement.”
Isaiah smiled faintly.
“Thank you.”
Margaret hesitated.
“Do you still want to speak tomorrow?”
Isaiah considered the question.
He was tired.
Frustrated.
And deeply disappointed.
But he had traveled to Coopersville for a reason.
The center was launching a program designed to help veterans rebuild their lives after service.
He didn’t want one ugly encounter to overshadow that purpose.
“Yes,” he answered.
