Chapter 13 - The Broken Golden Boy
Michael stepped into the office, his eyes darting nervously around the spacious room before landing on me.
“Victoria,” he said, his voice tight and strained.
“Michael,” I replied, not standing up from my desk. “Shut the door behind you. You only have ten minutes before my next secure briefing.”
He swallowed hard, taking a hesitant step forward. “Mom is... she’s completely falling apart. Dad hasn't left his study in three days. The naval board just notified me this morning that my upcoming promotion to captain has been indefinitely deferred pending a comprehensive review of our family’s...” He hesitated, wincing. “...of our family’s public statements regarding your military record.”
I leaned back in my leather chair, crossing my arms. “And why are you telling me this, Michael? Did Dad send you here to beg for a favor? To ask me to call General Vance and smooth things over?”
“No!” Michael snapped defensively, though his voice cracked immediately after. Then he deflated, dropping his gaze to the carpet. “No. Dad didn't send me. I came on my own because... because I finally realize how much of a coward I’ve been.”
I raised an eyebrow, studying him. It was the first time in his entire life I had ever heard Michael admit fault without being cornered by a commanding officer.
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“For thirty years, you carried the burden while I took the applause,” Michael whispered, his voice trembling. “I knew what happened in 2008. I saw the initial operational logs before they were scrubbed. But I stayed silent because keeping Dad happy was easier than telling the truth.”
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