Chapter 6 - The Call From Aunt Linda
Three months later, Catherine was eating breakfast when Aunt Linda called.
“You ruined him.”
Catherine put down her coffee.
“Good morning to you too.”
“Nathan's career is over.”
“No.”
“Everyone says—”
“Linda.”
Catherine's voice sharpened.
“Nathan's choices damaged his career.”
“You embarrassed him.”
“I didn't release anything publicly.”
“You investigated him.”
“I recused myself from the portions where I had a conflict.”
Linda went quiet.
Catherine continued.
“He retaliated against officers. He manipulated evaluations. He pressured subordinates to withdraw complaints.”
“But he's decorated.”
Catherine closed her eyes.
“Decorations don't erase character.”
Linda said nothing.
Then:
“He told me you tricked him.”
Catherine almost laughed.
“Did he mention grabbing my wrist?”
Silence.
“What?”
“He grabbed me and told me I'd follow his rules.”
“He did what?”
Catherine heard the change immediately.
Linda's anger disappeared.
“He didn't tell you that?”
“No.”
“He thought I was a civilian.”
Another silence.
Then Linda said quietly:
“I told you not to intimidate him.”
“I remember.”
“Oh, Catherine.”
For once, there was no argument in her voice.
Only embarrassment.
“I owe you an apology.”
Catherine leaned back.
“Yes.”
Linda laughed unexpectedly.
“You could make this easier for me.”
“I've spent forty-two years making things easier for you.”
“Fair.”
They were quiet.
Then Linda asked:
“Why didn't you ever tell us what you actually do?”
“You never asked.”
“That isn't true.”
“You asked whether I was still doing paperwork.”
Linda sighed.
“Okay. Maybe I deserve that too.”
Catherine smiled.
Then her phone buzzed with another incoming call.
GENERAL HOLLIS.
“I need to go.”
“Work?”
“Yes.”
“Important work?”
Catherine paused.
“Sometimes.”
Linda laughed.
“Call me Sunday.”
“I will.”
Catherine switched calls.
“Monroe.”
Hollis sounded unusually cheerful.
“Congratulations, Catherine.”
“For what?”
“You haven't heard?”
“Heard what?”
“The board results came in.”
Catherine stood.
Hollis continued.
“Your name is on the brigadier general selection list.”
For several seconds Catherine couldn't speak.
“Catherine?”
“I'm here.”
“You earned it.”
She looked out the window.
“Thank you, sir.”
“And there's something else.”
“What?”
“Lieutenant Parker just got selected for her preferred assignment.”
Catherine smiled.
“Good.”
“She asked whether you'd conduct her promotion ceremony before she leaves.”
May you like
Catherine didn't hesitate.
“Absolutely.”
