Chapter 19 - REWRITING THE BENNETT NAME
That evening, the sun set over the National Mall, painting the sky in deep shades of gold and purple.
Arthur, Madison, Ethan, and I walked along the quiet path beside the Reflecting Pool. The breeze was soft, carrying the scent of autumn leaves.
Madison reached into her coat and handed me a leather-bound journal. "I found this in Mom's old belongings in Cape Charles while you were at sea, Avery. She wrote it during her final months."
I took the journal, opening its yellowed pages. Inside was our mother's handwriting:
“To my brave Avery: If you are reading this, it means you survived your father's shadow. Gordon thought he could buy the world, but he never understood that true strength cannot be bought. It is forged in the fires we survive. Take your true name, my darling. And never stop shining in the dark.”
Tears blurred my eyes as I closed the book against my chest.
Arthur wrapped his arm around my shoulders, his eyes filled with gentle warmth. "Your mother loved you more than life itself, Avery. She stayed with Gordon only to protect you and Madison until you were old enough to escape."
"I know now, Dad," I whispered.
Ethan took my right hand, his fingers intertwining with mine. "The Navy Department has officially authorized the formation of a new joint-service elite unit, Major. A deep-sea combat rescue command tasked with responding to impossible global disasters."
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"What are they calling it?" I asked.
Ethan smiled, pointing up at the first bright star appearing in the evening sky. "They're calling it Operation Night Beacon."
