Chapter 8 - Jason Vale’s Offer
The recruiter’s name was Jason Vale.
He had approached Avery after a regional shooting competition.
He claimed his company, Sentinel Meridian, supported government security operations.
He knew details about Avery’s Blackridge application that were not public.
“You could earn five times your Army salary,” he said.
Avery refused politely.
Vale leaned closer.
“Fort Blackridge can open doors. It can also close them.”
At the time, she thought he was arrogant.
Now she understood it was a warning.
Ward searched the contractor’s records.
Sentinel Meridian had hired thirty-one former Blackridge graduates.
Raines had signed recommendation letters for twenty-six.
Several recruits joined the company immediately after leaving active duty.
The contractor then received federal training contracts using those shooters as proof of elite capability.
Raines benefited through consulting payments routed to his brother.
Avery looked across the range at him.
“You were building a private roster.”
Raines’ jaw tightened.
“You have no idea how national security works.”
“By falsifying scores?”
“By placing talent where it matters.”
Miles stepped forward.
“You destroyed anyone who wouldn’t work for you.”
Raines glared at him.
“I removed weak soldiers.”
Ward raised the switched scorecard.
May you like
“This one says otherwise.”
👉 Raines defended the scheme as national security—but the missing careers concealed something even more profitable.
