Chapter 5 - Rank Couldn't Save Him
The investigation expanded.
Three complaints became nine.
Then twelve.
Two former officers agreed to testify.
A retired technical sergeant provided emails.
Another captain produced messages Nathan thought had disappeared.
By Wednesday, Nathan Cross had been temporarily removed from his leadership position pending formal proceedings.
But Catherine didn't celebrate.
On Thursday, Hollis found her alone in his office reviewing documents.
“You knew Saturday night, didn't you?” he asked.
“Knew what?”
“That he was exactly what Parker described.”
Catherine closed the folder.
“I suspected.”
“After he grabbed you?”
“Before.”
Hollis sat down.
“Why didn't you identify yourself immediately?”
“Because rank shouldn't be required before someone treats another person with respect.”
Hollis nodded.
There was a knock.
Lieutenant Parker entered.
“Sir? Colonel?”
“Come in,” Catherine said.
Emily held an envelope.
“I wanted to give you this.”
“What is it?”
“My withdrawal request.”
Catherine frowned.
“You're withdrawing the complaint?”
“No, ma'am.”
Emily smiled slightly.
“My transfer request.”
Catherine understood.
“You want to leave the squadron.”
“I thought I did.”
“And now?”
Emily sat down.
“I want to stay.”
“Why?”
“Because if everyone he tried to push out leaves…”
She glanced toward Hollis.
“…then he still wins.”
Catherine smiled.
“That's a good answer.”
Emily hesitated.
“Colonel?”
“Yes?”
“Can I ask something personal?”
Hollis stood.
“That's my cue to disappear.”
When the door closed, Emily asked:
“Was it true?”
“What?”
“The blind date.”
Catherine stared at her.
Emily tried not to smile.
“Captain Morris heard something.”
Catherine sighed.
“Unfortunately.”
“And he didn't know your rank?”
“No.”
Emily covered her mouth.
“Oh my God.”
“Lieutenant.”
“Sorry, ma'am.”
Then Emily started laughing.
Catherine tried to remain serious.
She failed.
Soon both women were laughing.
After several seconds Emily asked:
“What did he do when you showed him your insignia?”
Catherine smiled.
“He became very interested in military courtesy.”
May you like
Emily laughed harder.
For the first time since the investigation began, the room didn't feel heavy.
