Chapter 9 - THE NEW BEGINNINGTwo weeks after the funeral, the federal investigation concluded with shocking efficiency.
The offshore accounts controlled by Elaine and Robert were dismantled, and every dollar of the survivor funds was restored to its rightful place. The house in Cedar Creek—long a fortress of isolation and control—was put up for sale, with the proceeds placed into a secure educational and medical trust for Emily.
Elaine and Robert faced a multi-count federal indictment with no possibility of bail, awaiting trial in a federal detention facility in Nashville.
I took an extended medical leave of absence from active duty to recover fully from my deployment injuries and help Emily transition into her college apartment in Knoxville.
On a bright December morning, exactly one month after my father’s memorial, I stood on the front porch of the old family home one last time before handing the keys over to the real estate agent.
The American flag still hung proudly from the front porch post, snapping crisply in the winter wind.
My phone buzzed in my pocket. I pulled it out and saw an encrypted notification from the Department of Defense logistics command.
May you like
“Medical clearance verified, Captain Mitchell. Re-assignment orders to Pentagon procurement oversight active effective January 2nd.”
I smiled, locking the screen and slipping the phone back into my pocket.
