Chapter 11 - The Truth Caroline Never Told
Caroline stepped into the center of the room.
"I was promoted six years ago."
Margaret stared.
"Promoted to what?"
Caroline hesitated.
"Major General."
Laura covered her mouth.
Travis looked down.
He seemed unable to process it.
Caroline continued.
"I didn't tell you because the people I worked against knew my family existed."
Margaret whispered:
"You could have trusted us."
"I trusted you."
"Then why?"
"Because trust doesn't stop someone from using your name."
Margaret's eyes filled.
"You let me believe you were ashamed of this family."
Caroline looked at her.
"I was never ashamed of you."
"Then why did you stay away?"
Caroline took a slow breath.
"Because every time I came home, I checked the street before I opened the door."
Margaret looked devastated.
Caroline continued.
"I checked your phones."
"Why?"
"Because I had reason to believe someone had access to our family."
Travis looked at the files.
"And Dad?"
Caroline nodded.
"His death wasn't as simple as everyone believed."
Margaret stood abruptly.
"What are you saying?"
"I'm saying his old business records contained something someone desperately wanted."
"What?"
Caroline looked at the window.
"Proof."
"Proof of what?"
"That a network had been operating inside institutions that were supposed to protect people."
Nobody spoke.
Then Caroline's phone rang.
She answered.
"Caroline."
The voice on the other end was distorted.
"You finally told them."
Her eyes hardened.
"Who is this?"
A quiet laugh.
"You already know."
Caroline's face went pale.
The caller continued.
"And your mother knows me too."
Margaret looked terrified.
Caroline stared at her.
"Mom?"
May you like
Margaret couldn't speak.
The call ended.
