Chapter 5 - THE THREAT FROM THE DARK
That night, while I slept in the hospital’s secure wing, my father sat in the hallway with Lieutenant Holt. They were reviewing files—not military files, but the records Ryan and Linda had kept.
"They were blackmailing her, sir," Holt said, handing over a folder. "They found out about the 'accident' in the Balkans twelve years ago. They told her that if she spoke up, they would leak confidential information that would ruin your career and lead to your court-martial."
James looked at the folder, his eyes widening. He had kept that secret buried for a decade, believing he had protected his family from it. Instead, his secret had become a chain around my neck.
"They thought they could use my own past against me to hurt her," James whispered, his voice filled with a cold, righteous fury. "They thought I would trade her safety for my rank."
He stood up, his uniform catching the sterile light. "They don't know me at all."
In the distance, the phone in the nursing station rang. It was an anonymous call—Ryan.
He was at a payphone, his voice desperate and high-pitched. "I know about the Balkans, Colonel! I know what you did! If you don't drop the charges, if you don't tell the police that Emily fell, I’m going to the press. I’m going to destroy you!"
James took the phone from the nurse. He didn't speak for a long time.
"Ryan," he finally said, his voice terrifyingly calm. "I spent my life serving this country. I’ve faced enemies who would make you look like a child playing with toys. Do you honestly think a coward like you can threaten me?"
May you like
"I'll do it!" Ryan screamed.
"Do it," James replied. "Leak the files. Because the moment you do, you open an investigation that will not just look at my past—it will look at your present. And I guarantee you, the things they find will ensure you never see the light of day."
