Chapter 10 - THE GENERAL’S DECISION
General Brooks accepted review.
He said he believed secrecy was necessary.
I told him necessity did not erase harm.
The Army inspector general found he had delayed action to protect a broader intelligence operation.
The delay allowed more children to be tested.
He retired during the inquiry but testified fully.
His cooperation mattered.
So did the delay.
Then Madison contacted me alone.
She asked to meet at the lake.
I refused private terms.
She sent a live location and said Noah would die if police approached.
Noah remained protected.
The child on screen was another boy.
Carter Defense had maintained multiple replacement subjects.
The scale widened.
Federal teams used thermal drones to verify the location.
Madison stood alone.
The child was a projection.
She wanted me isolated so she could record a confession.
I went with concealed oversight, independent feeds, and child advocates monitoring.
Madison said our father chose me from childhood.
Military school.
Academy recommendation.
Company access.
She was expected to host dinners and marry executives.
Her status obsession grew from being denied formal authority.
I understood the wound.
I did not excuse the slap.
Then she confessed that Liam’s glass had been weakened before the gala.
The waiter was paid to bump him.
The spill was guaranteed.
The assault was rehearsed.
She chose to strike harder than planned.
That part belonged only to her.
Police moved in.
Madison raised her hands.
May you like
Then a sniper shot struck the ground beside her.
Someone did not want her testifying.
