Chapter 9 - What Diane Knew
Robert moved toward his sister.
“What do you mean, ‘come back’?”
Diane’s composure slipped.
Daniel looked at Megan.
She understood the danger.
If Diane revealed classified details publicly, Megan could face consequences even though the operation had ended years earlier.
But silence had already protected too many guilty people.
Megan said, “Let her speak.”
Diane looked around the ballroom.
The phones had returned.
Guests were recording again.
This time, no one was laughing.
Diane admitted she had served on the board of a private logistics company nine years earlier.
The company handled civilian transport contracts for the government.
One of its subcontractors supplied the armored vehicle used during Daniel’s mission.
That vehicle failed.
Not because of enemy fire alone.
Because required armor had never been installed.
The subcontractor billed the government for protective equipment that did not exist.
Megan discovered the fraud after pulling Daniel from the wreckage.
She preserved a serial plate from the vehicle.
That plate could prove the equipment had been falsified.
Diane knew.
She had signed the contract approval.
Robert stared at her.
“You knew the vehicle was unsafe?”
“I knew there were cost reductions.”
“Daniel nearly died.”
“I did not know he would be inside it.”
The answer horrified everyone.
Diane did not deny risking soldiers.
She only regretted that one of them belonged to her family.
Megan’s expression became cold.
“You tried to find the serial plate.”
Diane said nothing.
Daniel looked at Megan.
“Do you still have it?”
Megan touched the clasp of her black clutch.
May you like
Diane’s eyes followed the movement.
And that was when Megan realized why she had been invited.
