Chapter 7 - The Mothers
Margaret called the transfer a consulting fee.
Emily called it theft.
The money had been drawn from emergency repairs scheduled for military-family housing in North Carolina.
Roofs damaged by storms.
Heating systems.
Wheelchair ramps.
Temporary apartments for families displaced by mold.
Margaret had moved the funds into a private redevelopment company.
“You took repair money from military families,” Emily said.
Margaret’s voice remained cold.
“The properties are being replaced.”
“With apartments they cannot afford.”
“They can relocate.”
Emily’s eyes filled.
“That is what wealthy people always say when they take someone else’s home.”
Colonel Harris looked toward Rosa.
“How many families were waiting on those repairs?”
“Three hundred twelve.”
The number made the room silent.
Not units.
Families.
Pregnant spouses.
Children.
Retired service members.
Margaret’s thirty-two million dollars had faces now.
Then Rosa handed Emily another file.
Margaret had ordered the trust to prioritize officers’ families during repairs.
Enlisted households were moved to the bottom of the list.
Colonel Harris stared at her.
“You ranked military families by status.”
Margaret lifted her chin.
“Senior people carry greater responsibilities.”
Emily shook her head.
“No.”
“You believed people with less rank could tolerate less dignity.”
Daniel looked at his mother as though he no longer recognized her.
May you like
Then Emily found his electronic approval beneath the priority list.
He had signed it.
