Cover Those Arms, Nurse Ashworth

I couldn't decide which part hurt more.

That Daniel had been connected to my father's death, or that he had looked me in the eyes and offered to help me uncover the truth while withholding the one fact that mattered most.

I backed away from him.

“Don't come closer.””

He stopped immediately.

“Caroline, please.””

“You have one chance. Tell me what you did.””

Daniel looked toward the diner windows.

A couple sat near the counter, sharing a plate of fries. The waitress refilled a coffee mug. A television mounted above the kitchen door played a weather forecast.

Ordinary life continued around us, indifferent to the fact that my childhood had just been rewritten.

Daniel pulled out the chair opposite mine.

“Sit down.””

“No.””

“Then stand. But listen.””

I folded my arms.

He took a long breath.

“Four years before your father's death, I discovered that Commander Rourke was using the restricted medical program to conceal unauthorized transfers. I reported it to my superior.””

“Who?””

“Elias Rourke.””

I stared at him.

“You reported Rourke to Rourke?””

“I thought he would initiate an investigation.””

“Why would you think that?””

“Because he was the officer responsible for oversight. I believed he was unaware of the contractor's actions.””

“And when he realized what you'd found?””

“He ordered me to stop asking questions.””

Daniel rubbed his palms together.

“I should have gone outside the chain of command. I knew that. But Robert had just discovered the missing equipment records, and I was afraid a public accusation would destroy the evidence before we could secure it.””

“So you stayed quiet.””

“Yes.””

“And my father paid for it.””

“Yes.””

The answer was so plain that it left me with nothing to argue against.