Chapter 3 - The Dominoes Fall
By 11:30 AM, the first shockwave struck Commander Whitaker’s office.
Andrew was sitting behind his mahogany desk, reviewing deployment manifests while Serena leaned over his shoulder, sipping imported roast coffee.
His desktop terminal flashed red with a high-priority encrypted notification from Naval Supply Systems Command.
NOTICE OF CONTRACT SUSPENSION: VALE STRATEGIC LOGISTICS — PENDING IMMEDIATE FORENSIC AUDIT.
Serena dropped her tablet onto the desk, her face draining of color. "Andrew, what is this? Our ten-million-dollar supply subcontract just got flagged for ethics violations!"
Before Andrew could reach for his phone, his private cellular line rang. It was the director of the Coronado Military Housing Authority.
"Commander Whitaker," the official said flatly. "Your private housing stipend grant from the Langford Trust has been terminated effective immediately due to beneficiary revocation. You have fourteen days to surrender the lease on your off-base waterfront property or assume the market-rate balance of eight thousand dollars monthly."
"What are you talking about?!" Andrew demanded, standing up behind his desk. "That stipend was guaranteed under my senior leadership package!"
"It was an endowment granted through your spouse's family trust, Commander," the official replied coldly before disconnecting.
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Serena stepped back from the desk, her eyes wide with mounting panic. "Andrew, the bank just froze our joint investment escrow in downtown San Diego! They're saying the primary capital partner pulled all liquidity lines!"
Andrew’s heart hammered against his ribs. He grabbed his service cap, rushing toward the door. "There’s a bureaucratic error at regional command. I'm going to see the Base Admiral right now."
