Chapter 6 - THE SALUTE
Three months later, the investigation was still making headlines.
Atlas Meridian lost the $2.4 billion contract.
Its stock collapsed.
Victor accepted a plea agreement.
Richard went to trial.
Evelyn testified.
My father admitted financial crimes.
My mother avoided prison by cooperating fully.
And Brooke?
She resigned.
She sold her house.
She moved to another state.
She started working with a nonprofit helping employees report corporate fraud.
I didn't speak to her.
Not yet.
Then came the ceremony.
Fort Halstead was hosting a joint military readiness exercise.
Senior officials attended.
Commanders.
Federal agency directors.
Congressional observers.
I stood at the front of the auditorium.
My uniform was immaculate.
My medals aligned.
My stars visible.
For the first time, my family knew exactly who I was.
My parents sat in the second row.
Brooke sat beside them.
When I walked onto the stage, everyone stood.
Everyone except my mother.
She couldn't stop crying.
The base commander stepped forward.
“Ladies and gentlemen, Major General Caroline Reed.”
Applause filled the room.
I looked toward Brooke.
She stared at me.
Not with jealousy.
Not anymore.
With something closer to shame.
After the ceremony, she approached me.
“General.”
I almost smiled.
“Brooke.”
She swallowed.
“I wanted to say something.”
“You can.”
“I was wrong.”
“Yes.”
“I thought your silence meant you were ashamed.”
“It wasn't.”
“I know.”
She looked down.
“I've spent my whole life trying to prove I mattered.”
I said nothing.
“You never had to.”
“No.”
She nodded.
“I don't expect forgiveness.”
“That makes things easier.”
She laughed softly through tears.
“I deserve that.”
I looked at her.
“You do.”
She smiled.
Then something unexpected happened.
The base commander approached.
“General Reed.”
I turned.
“Yes?”
He looked at Brooke.
Then noticed the small silver pin on her jacket.
It was a civilian logistics credential.
He smiled.
“Congratulations, Ms. Reed.”
Brooke looked confused.
“For what?”
He handed her an envelope.
She opened it.
Inside was a letter offering her a position with a government oversight organization.
She stared.
“Why?”
The commander looked at me.
I said nothing.
Brooke looked back.
“You recommended me?”
“I recommended that you be given an opportunity to prove you can become someone different.”
She cried.
“I don't deserve it.”
“Maybe not.”
I smiled faintly.
“But you can earn it.”
For the first time in years, my sister hugged me.
I hesitated.
Then hugged her back.
It wasn't forgiveness.
May you like
Not yet.
It was a beginning.
