Chapter 74

Charlotte, NCKevin

“THIS IS HEATHER Gianoulis,” she said, “coming to you from Charlotte Douglas International Airport, where a decorated army veteran and recipient of a Purple Heart was turned away by security officials because he refused to agree to a strip search.”

She asked David to give his name, rank, and a brief summary of his overseas service, which he did. Then she continued, “And you came home from Iraq because you were wounded, right?”

“Yes, Ma’am,” David said. “The platoon I was leading suffered a grenade attack near the end of my tour of duty.”

“Was anyone else injured?” she said.

“My point man bore the brunt of it,” he said, “and was killed instantly. Several of my men were injured, but not seriously.”

“So you suffered the worst injuries?” she said.

“Other than the guy who was killed, yes,” he said.

“Tell us what happened here today,” she said, “starting with why you’re at the airport in the first place.”