Chapter 4The Generals Debt Is Paid

On my last day at HQ, I cleared out my office early. I gave my plants to the colleague next door, archived my files, and emptied the drawers. Everything I owned fit into a single tactical backpack.

As I stepped out of the building, a group of people swarmed me. Some were holding cameras.

"Major Montgomery? What’s your response to the loss of Mrs. Gable’s veteran benefit records?"

"As the officer in charge, do you admit to professional negligence?"

A microphone was shoved inches from my face. I backed away, the edge of a camera lens catching my forehead, a sharp sting of pain blossoming there. Realizing this was a setup, I turned and retreated into the building. The guards at the gate held the crowd back.

My heart was racing. My phone buzzed with a news link sent by a colleague.

Title: Officer Loses Critical Records; Martyr’s Mother Denied Emergency Funds for Six Months!

The report detailed how Mrs. Gable’s son had died in combat and how she was waiting on the money for her husband’s emergency surgery. At the bottom of the article was a screenshot of the task assignment log. The name under "Lead Officer" had been changed to Nate Montgomery.

A text followed from a coworker: I thought Brody was handling that? Why is your name on it now?

I logged into the internal system. Two days ago, the name on the Gable file had been changed from "Brody" to "Nate."

I felt a cold shiver run down my spine. I messaged the Chief. Colonel, why was the Gable file transferred to me? I never accepted this case.

The reply was instant. Brody told me two days ago that you’d discussed it and you agreed to handle the final filing. Why are you denying it now that there’s a problem?

I called Brody. Busy signal. I called ten times. No answer.

I waited until dark for the crowd to disperse. Finally, Brody picked up.

"Where are you?" I growled. "We need to talk. Now."

I heard the clink of silverware, then Brody’s cheerful voice. "I’m at your place, Nate. Charlotte just got out of the hospital and needs looking after. Since you’re so busy with work, I thought I’d come over and cook dinner."

I hung up and sprinted home.

I burst through the door. Brody was sitting next to Charlotte, holding a bowl of soup.

He stood up, smiling. "Hey, Nate, you're back! I made—"

I stepped forward and slapped him across the face. Hard.

The bowl shattered on the floor, soup splashing everywhere. Brody stumbled back, clutching his cheek, eyes wide with shock.

Charlotte jumped up, grabbing my wrist. "Are you insane?"

I shook her off and glared at Brody. "Where are the original documents? You’re coming with me right now to clear this up."

Brody’s eyes instantly filled with tears. "Nate, I’m so sorry... I was at the hospital looking after Charlotte, I just got distracted... I’ll go explain!"

Charlotte grabbed his shoulder. "No. If you go now, it’ll only make it worse. This will go on your permanent record as a major failure. You could be discharged."

She turned to me, her voice cold and calculating. "Let Brody say there was a communication error during the handover. You write the statement and take the primary responsibility. That way, we control the fallout."

I laughed, a harsh, jagged sound. "So I’m the scapegoat? Not a chance."

Charlotte was silent for a moment. She stepped closer, her voice dropping to a whisper. "If you don't take the fall for this, I will find the tactical report from the night your father died. I’ll make sure the investigation into his 'unauthorized actions' is reopened."

I froze. I looked at her as if I were seeing a stranger.

My father had died saving her. And now, she was using his sacrifice as a weapon against me.

The room was deathly quiet. After a long time, I finally spoke. My voice sounded like it was coming from a great distance.

"Fine. I’ll do it."