Chapter 5 - THE DOCUMENTS IN DANIEL'S OFFICE
The next morning, Daniel returned home before sunrise.
I was already dressed for work, reviewing a secure briefing on my tablet at the kitchen island.
He stood in the doorway holding a manila envelope.
“Rachel, we need to talk about my mother.”
I set the tablet down.
“What happened?”
“She told me she had been trying to arrange a meeting between me and Caroline for months.”
I said nothing.
Daniel placed the envelope on the counter.
Inside were printed emails, calendar invitations, and a copy of the guest list for the ball.
Several messages had been sent from Victoria to the event coordinator.
One read: The civilian guest should not be seated with the senior command party. If necessary, security can assist with her departure.
Another said: Caroline should remain beside Daniel throughout the formal dinner.
The final email was worse.
We cannot have unnecessary complications while the Hayes family is considering Daniel for the new leadership position.
I looked up.
“What leadership position?”
Daniel's expression was grim.
“Deputy operations chief. General Hayes sits on the selection panel.”
“And your mother believes Caroline can help you get it.”
He nodded.
“She said the families have always been close.”
“Is that why you asked me to keep my background quiet?”
“No.”
“Then why?”
Daniel stared at the counter.
“Because I knew my mother would compare us. I thought if she didn't know your rank, she wouldn't make a competition out of it.”
I closed the envelope.
“You didn't protect me from her, Daniel. You made it easier for her to hurt me.”
He flinched.
“I know.”
It was the first time he had acknowledged the damage without trying to explain it away.
Then he said something that changed everything.
“There's another email.”
He removed a folded sheet from his pocket.
The message had been sent by Victoria to an attorney who handled the family's financial affairs.
It discussed a proposed transfer of money from a charitable foundation associated with the Whitmore family.
The recipient was a consulting company connected to a former defense contractor.
A handwritten note at the bottom read: Once Daniel gets the appointment, the Kingston review won't be a problem.
I read it twice.
“What does this company do?”
“I don't know.”
“Does your mother control the foundation?”
“She sits on its board.”
“And has anyone authorized these payments?”
“I haven't checked.”
I pushed the papers back toward him.
“Then check.”
Daniel looked offended.
“You think my mother is involved in something illegal?”
“I think the documents deserve an honest examination.”
“You're making assumptions.”
“No, Daniel. I'm asking questions. That's what you should have done before defending her.”
He fell silent.
I gathered my tablet and folder.
“I have a briefing at eight-thirty. Do not alter these documents, contact the company, or confront your mother until you understand what they contain.”
He stared at me.
“Are you giving me an order?”
“No. I'm asking you to use common sense.”
I left the house.
An hour later, Commander Morgan met me in my office with a preliminary report.
The attempted personnel inquiry had originated from an account associated with the Whitmore family foundation.
It had requested information about my military assignments, clearance status, and current responsibilities.
The request had been made without proper authorization.
May you like
Someone had wanted to know what I could see.
And someone had wanted to know whether I could interfere with whatever was happening at Fort Kingston.
