Chapter 8 - The Aftermath
Elena turned her back on her family and walked toward General Sterling.
“Raymond,” she said, her tone softening into professional warmth. “Is your car waiting?”
“At the main portico, General,” Sterling replied with a respectful nod. “The Governor and the Secretary are waiting at the base club. They’re eager to toast your confirmation.”
“Let’s not keep them waiting,” Elena said.
As she walked toward the grand doors, Margaret lunged forward, tears finally breaking through her makeup.
“Elena! Please! Don’t leave like this! Come home for Sunday dinner! We can talk about this! We’re your parents!”
Elena paused at the threshold. She turned her head slightly, looking back over her shoulder one last time.
“I had a home, Margaret,” Elena said softly. “It was on the front lines, with soldiers who judged me by my honor, my character, and my courage. You taught me what it feels like to be unloved. The Army taught me what it feels like to belong. Enjoy your jubilee.”
She stepped through the double doors. The military police detachment fell into step behind her, the heavy doors swinging shut with a deep, final thud.
Inside the ballroom, the silence was suffocating.
Nobody spoke. Nobody moved toward Victor. The council members who had been laughing at his jokes five minutes earlier quietly set their drinks on the tables and slipped toward the coat check. Business associates began quietly exiting through the side doors.
Kevin slumped into a chair, his head in his hands, staring at the scattered indictment papers on the floor.
May you like
Victor stood frozen among the shattered glass, his medals heavy on his chest, utterly alone in a room full of people who would never look at him the same way again.
***
