Chapter 10 - The Buyer Behind the Flag
Investigators pulled records from the seized hangar computer and traced the counterfeit guidance modules to a broker that supplied weapons components through secret side deals. The financial trail crossed several countries before curling back into Virginia. Someone had been earning money both from the legitimate contracts and from the diverted parts.
Andrew looked at the invoices and felt sick. “These modules could have ended up in weapons used against our own troops.”
“They could,” Daniel replied. “We need proof of where they went, not guesses.”
He said it with a steadiness Elena admired. Anger had kept him awake for years; now he was learning to keep it from driving.
Federal investigators publicly confirmed only that they were examining procurement fraud and possible obstruction. Victor went on television that evening, claiming the gala disruption was a vicious campaign against a patriotic family business.
“People hate success,” Victor said. “They want someone to blame for the tragedy of war.”
Elena watched from the safe-house kitchen. She put down her tea before she threw the mug at the screen.
Sophie appeared in the doorway. “Mom, is that the man who made Dad not come home?”
Elena knelt and chose her words carefully. “He's one of the people we're asking questions about. We want a court to find out what happened.”
“Will it bring Dad back?”
“No, baby.”
Sophie thought about that. “Then I want people to stop saying he was bad.”
Elena held her so closely that neither heard the phone ring.
The caller was a former medic from Daniel's unit, Lena Ortiz. She'd seen the news and had something to say about the evacuation log. According to the official record, she had certified Marcus dead at the scene.
“I didn't,” Lena told Daniel. “When I reached him, he was breathing.”
Daniel froze. “You told the inquiry he was gone.”
“They threatened my medical license. They said I'd lose my job and my pension.” Her voice shook. “I hated myself every day after.”
“Lena,” he said, barely able to speak, “what happened after you found him?”
“He was taken away in a helicopter that wasn't on our manifest.”
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Elena gripped the edge of the counter.
And Lena whispered, “There is a chance Marcus Bell didn't die in that valley.”
