Chapter 17 - A Father's Shadow
Peter Miller came back to headquarters without his driver. He looked at the parade flags outside the window for a long time before sitting down.
"I gave Brad the casualty summary," he admitted. "I believed he wanted context for the Silver Star citation. I didn't know he'd turn it into an accusation."
"Did you know Anita Bell was injured?" Rowan asked.
Peter studied the table. "Yes. Her commander asked me for advice after she complained. I called a friend and suggested transferring her before it became a public dispute. I told myself I was keeping things orderly."
Bell had been forced to leave behind her specialist, her apartment, and a treatment team she trusted. Peter described that harm as a phone call.
"Orderly for whom?" I asked.
His face reddened. "I never ordered anyone to hurt you."
"I believe you didn't say those words. You still showed Brad what happens when somebody complains: the complainant disappears."
He held my gaze, then looked away. For the first time I saw not a powerful former general but a father who had confused protecting his son with teaching him he could never be wrong.
Peter opened his briefcase. He handed Rowan copies of his correspondence concerning Bell's reassignment, along with the message he'd sent Brad the day before the motor-pool rehearsal: ANOTHER COMPLAINT WILL END YOUR CAREER. KEEP THIS QUIET AND GET THROUGH THE PARADE.
"This is all of it," Peter said. "I should have provided it when you first asked."
Rowan logged the papers. "We will compare these against the originals."
Peter stood to leave. At the doorway he paused beside me. "I'm sorry I didn't listen sooner, Sergeant."
"Tell Bell that," I said. "And don't ask her to make you feel better about it."
May you like
He nodded once. Then his phone lit up with a message from Brad: IF YOU WON'T SAVE ME, I'LL TELL EVERYONE WHAT YOU DID.
Peter handed the phone to Rowan without answering.
