Chapter 1 - The Daughter at the Back Door
Six-year-old Emily Carter entered the military chapel through the rear doors carrying a camouflage backpack almost as large as her body.
She wore a simple ivory dress and white shoes, while the front pews were filled with Boston executives, retired generals, elected officials and members of the wealthy Mercer family.
At the altar rested the flag-draped casket of Captain James Mercer, Emily’s father.
Yet the printed memorial program described James only as a decorated officer, beloved son and loyal brother.
It never mentioned that he had been a father.
Sarah Carter, Emily’s guardian and maternal aunt, followed several steps behind, trying not to cry as wealthy mourners stared at their inexpensive clothes.
James’s mother, Vivian Mercer, had ordered the funeral staff to seat them near the rear because she did not want “family complications” photographed by the press.
Emily did not understand the insult.
She only understood that her father was inside the dark mahogany casket and that she had promised to return his favorite teddy bear.
As she moved down the aisle, the enlisted service members rose one after another in silent respect.
Several senior officers remained seated until the honor guard commander stood first, forcing them to follow.
Vivian’s face tightened.
The military respect being given to Emily publicly contradicted the Mercer family’s attempt to make her invisible.
Emily reached the casket, removed the small bear from the backpack and pressed it against her chest.
“I brought your bear, Dad,” she said.
Sarah knelt and wrapped one arm around her.
“You don’t have to carry this alone.”
When Emily placed the bear on the flag, a silver identification tag slipped from its miniature camouflage jacket.
The tag did not carry James’s name.
It read: FOR EMILY—PLAY THIS IF THEY SAY I DISOBEYED ORDERS.
A tiny red light began blinking inside the bear.
May you like
Across the chapel, James’s wealthy brother Grant stood so quickly that his chair struck the floor.
“Take that toy away from her,” he ordered.
