Chapter 11 - The Safety Officer
Rear Admiral Judith Vale had always been easy to admire.
She was calm in emergencies, exacting with paperwork, and generous with praise when I questioned unsafe procedures.
She also controlled access to the regional safety review system.
For years, I thought that made her the right person to trust.
Ward identified her as the voice behind the call preceding Ben's crash.
Ellison warned me that a witness's account wasn't proof.
She was right, and I needed her to be.
If Vale was guilty, the conspiracy reached into the very office intended to prevent it.
Dom requested an independent protective detail for my room.
Vale arrived before it was in place.
She wore civilian clothes and carried no flowers.
"Kate, I've heard about Lily. I'm so sorry."
I watched her face closely.
"Then help me find her."
"We are doing everything possible."
"Who is we?"
She blinked.
"Your command. Our investigators. Everyone who cares about your family."
I wanted to ask about Ben, but Ellison had instructed me not to reveal Ward's testimony.
Vale set a folder on my bedside table.
Inside was a recommendation for medical retirement, already prepared for my signature.
My injuries would qualify me for long-term benefits, she explained.
I could return home, focus on my recovery, and avoid further exposure to the investigation.
"You drafted my retirement before my second surgery," I said.
"I'm trying to protect you."
"From what?"
Her eyes moved to the bracelet on my wrist.
Only for a moment.
Then she smiled.
"From trying to save everybody on your own."
When she left, Dom checked the corridor and found a security camera had been placed in privacy mode for the duration of her visit.
Vale's staff had requested the override.
I understood at last why the kidnapper knew my location so precisely.
The Observer wasn't merely monitoring the warehouse.
The Observer could move through the entire safety system as if she owned it.
Then Vale sent me a private message.
One sentence.
May you like
YOUR HUSBAND MADE THE SAME MISTAKE.
