Chapter 28 - Linda Finally Speaks
Linda requested a restorative-justice meeting after eight years in prison.
Evelyn almost refused.
The facilitator said participation required Linda to accept responsibility without bargaining.
Evelyn agreed to one meeting.
Linda entered older and thinner.
She looked at Evelyn’s colonel insignia.
For once, she did not insult it.
“I hated your mother,” Linda began.
Evelyn remained silent.
Susan had been dead before Linda married Thomas.
Still, Linda felt compared to her.
Thomas kept Susan’s photographs.
Employees respected Susan’s memory.
Evelyn resembled her.
Linda believed Derek would always be second unless Evelyn was diminished.
“So you stole from me.”
“Yes.”
“You attacked my career.”
“Yes.”
“You helped protect defective equipment.”
“Yes.”
“Why the chair?”
Linda’s eyes filled.
“General Hayes was going to say you saved him.”
“And?”
“I knew Thomas would look at you the way he used to look at Susan.”
The confession was ugly and small.
Not strategy.
Jealousy.
Linda had nearly killed Evelyn to prevent a dead woman’s daughter from being admired.
“Are you sorry?” Evelyn asked.
Linda hesitated.
“I am sorry I became that person.”
“That is not the same as being sorry for what you did to me.”
Linda lowered her head.
“No.”
The meeting ended.
Evelyn did not forgive her.
But the truth released one remaining question.
Linda had never truly believed Evelyn was nobody.
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She knew exactly who Evelyn was.
That was why she worked so hard to erase her.
