Chapter 6 - The Witness Who Signed
Mara didn't contact the lab. She gave the address to Naomi Ellis, who explained that a lawyer could inquire about records only within the law and with proper permission. The business had changed owners twice since 2014. Its current manager could not promise anything had survived.
Mara's own review went forward. She sat opposite two officers and described her request, the family connection, and the general's accusation. When asked whether she had discussed the matter with potential witnesses, she admitted speaking to Reyes and Aaron.
“Did Major Reyes provide you restricted information?”
“She gave me an address,” Mara said. “I haven't used it.”
Her candor did not improve the mood.
Afterward Reyes asked to meet in the chapel courtyard. She arrived in civilian clothes and stood where she could see both entrances.
“I was a first lieutenant in 2014,” she said. “I prepared casualty timelines for the brigade staff. The first report was handwritten by people who were there. The revised one was dictated to me after we were told the incident threatened an important review.”
“Who dictated it?”
“Colonel Kessler was in charge. Bell provided the version he wanted.”
“Did you know it was false?”
“I knew the times didn't match. I signed anyway.”
Reyes looked toward the chapel windows. “I told myself I was twenty-six, new in theater, and didn't have enough proof. Twelve years later, I hear myself saying the same thing.”
Mara wanted to demand why Reyes had left Aaron to carry the shame. Instead she asked the harder question.
“Will you tell an investigator?”
Reyes's hands trembled. “If I speak, they can ask why I waited. They should.”
“Then let's give them an honest answer.”
Reyes shook her head. “There's more. The original page wasn't just about who entered the truck. It listed what the truck was carrying.”
“Medical supplies?”
“Some of them.”
May you like
She pulled a folded copy of an old transportation invoice from her pocket but kept it against her chest.
“One pallet belonged to a private contractor,” she said. “And that contractor became HonorLine's first corporate donor.”
