Chapter 13 - THE COLONEL’S CHOICE
Washington offered Avery two options.
Return immediately.
Or accept temporary replacement from the operation and risk losing command authority over the final phase.
The assignment had consumed almost three years of her life.
She had built the team.
Designed the communication structure.
Prepared every contingency.
Walking away now could end her chance at a major promotion.
Harold overheard part of the secure discussion.
Even after everything, he found a way to wound her.
“So you finally have to choose between your imaginary importance and your mother.”
Avery turned toward him.
“My importance was never imaginary.”
“Then leave. That’s what you always do.”
The words struck the oldest bruise in her life.
Avery looked through the glass.
Elaine slept again.
Natalie sat beside her.
Mason gave a full statement to investigators.
The family crisis no longer depended solely on Avery.
Her mission, however, involved people who trusted her.
She could not reveal details, but she could not abandon them either.
The lead officer approached.
“Colonel, command can transfer the final stage.”
“Will it increase risk?”
“A new commander would need time.”
Avery made her decision.
“I’ll return after Mom’s independent medical representative arrives.”
Harold laughed bitterly.
“Of course.”
Natalie turned on him.
“Stop.”
It was the first time she had ever confronted their father.
“Avery came here. She found what you did. She protected Mom. She gave up command time to stay.”
Harold stared at Natalie.
She continued.
“You are not angry because she leaves. You are angry because she became someone you could not control.”
The hallway fell silent.
Avery looked at her sister with surprise.
Natalie stepped closer.
“I’m sorry I didn’t defend you.”
Avery did not offer instant forgiveness.
But she nodded.
May you like
It was a beginning.
👉 Avery prepared to return to Washington—but Elaine’s attorney arrived with a document proving Harold had planned to erase Avery permanently from the family.
