Chapter 3 - The Signature She Didn't Make
"I was at my father's house in El Paso," Nora said. "I left at five yesterday afternoon."
Ruiz turned the monitor so she could see it. A government system displayed Nora's user account beside a change to a training requirement. The amendment had increased the number of instructor-days needed from ValorBridge and described the increase as urgent.
The transaction showed 9:46 p.m.
"An account entry isn't the same as proof of who used it," Nora said.
"I agree. Which is why we won't announce a conclusion."
Ruiz called the information security officer to preserve the anomaly without contaminating the audit.
"Tell me what you did in El Paso," Ruiz said.
"Made dinner. Fixed a dripping faucet badly. Argued with Dad about the television volume."
"Anyone besides him see you?"
"The pharmacy clerk at the corner store. I bought him a prescription at nine-ten."
Ruiz wrote down the store name. She wasn't treating Nora as guilty; she was documenting an alternate explanation that could be checked.
By lunchtime Nora had been told not to enter procurement offices or contact witnesses about the bid review. She could still speak to counsel and cooperate with investigators.
Her father answered on the third ring.
"You saw the video?" Nora asked.
"Some kid posted a piece of it. I recognized your stubborn face."
"Dad—"
"Before you ask, I believe you. But belief won't keep your career safe."
Staff Sergeant Samuel West, retired, had spent twenty-one years teaching younger soldiers that documentation was part of courage. Lately he moved slowly because an old knee injury made stairs miserable. Nora heard his cane touch the kitchen tile.
"Did a company named Patriot Path Benefits call you?" she asked.
Silence.
"They said they could help straighten out my VA paperwork," he finally replied. "Friend of a friend recommended them."
"Did you give them anything?"
"A copy of my discharge papers. I thought that was normal."
"It can be needed for legitimate help. Did you sign a representation agreement?"
"I signed a form they brought to the house. Nora, what is this?"
Nora closed her eyes. Patriot Path Benefits shared an address with a company that billed ValorBridge for veteran-outreach services. That connection could be innocent. She had no evidence yet to say otherwise.
Her father spoke again, quieter now.
"The form had a witness line. Your name was typed on it."
May you like
"I never witnessed anything."
"I know, honey." He took a breath. "That's what frightened me."
