PART 27
Margaret called me personally for the first time since the hospital.
I answered because Emily’s lawyer had no objection to me receiving
calls, though I would not discuss the case.
“Victoria, this has become a nightmare.”
“For Emily, yes.”
“You know what I mean.”
“I do.”
“Ethan’s life is being destroyed.”
I looked through the window at my daughter sleeping on my sofa.
“Then perhaps he should tell the truth about what he did and accept the
consequences that follow.”
Margaret’s voice hardened.
“You think your uniform makes you righteous.”
“No.”
I looked at my ribbons.
“It taught me documentation.”
Then I hung up.
PART 28
I took leave.
Not indefinitely.
Not because I had special authority.
Because I was a mother with a daughter recovering from trauma and I had
accumulated leave available.
My deputy handled what she was trained to handle.
The Army continued without me.
That was humbling in a useful way.
For years my identity had depended on being needed.
Emily did not need a colonel.
She needed someone who could make tea at two in the morning and not ask
why she was still awake.
I learned that job too.
PART 29
Emily filed for divorce.
The Prescotts’ attorneys fought over finances, property and reputation.
Rachel kept bringing the conversation back to documents.
What was marital property?
What was separate?
What agreements existed?
What could be supported?
Emily had signed a prenup.
Contrary to Margaret’s threats, it did not leave Emily penniless.
It defined certain assets and obligations.
Ethan could not simply “destroy” her because his mother said so.
Fear had made the contract seem more powerful than it was.
Independent legal advice changed that.
