Chapter 19 - THOMAS'S LAST TAPE
Thomas had left one cassette with Margaret.
She had never played it.
Walter was furious.
Margaret said, "I was afraid."
Walter almost demanded more.
Then stopped.
Fear was enough.
They listened together.
Thomas spoke in 2009.
His breathing was poor.
He knew he was sick.
He addressed Michael first.
He did not ask forgiveness.
He said:
"I told myself staying away protected you. Some years that was true. Some years it was just easier than seeing what I'd done."
Michael closed his eyes.
Thomas spoke about Voss.
"I hated him for taking my life. Then I used him as an excuse not to reclaim it."
Then Walter.
"Walt, you didn't leave me in that bunker. But you did leave the truth. So did I."
Walter cried without hiding it.
Thomas continued:
"If anybody tells this story, don't make heroes out of us."
Daniel looked at Walter.
Thomas laughed weakly on the tape.
"Heroes are what people call you when they need the story shorter."
Nobody spoke for a long time.
The investigation eventually produced a sealed and public report.
Sensitive family identities remained protected.
Crewe's company created a compensation fund under court supervision.
Raymond resigned from ceremonial posts.
Daniel was cleared of theft and mishandling but formally reprimanded for violating media orders.
He accepted it.
Richard sold Harrison's Grill after losing the trust of his staff.
Emily and two employees bought a minority stake with a new owner.
Walter received an invitation to a public military recognition ceremony.
He threw it away.
Then Michael retrieved it from the trash.
"You don't get to make every decision alone either."
Walter stared at him.
The old habit had survived in him too.
He went.
(To be continued)
May you like
Thank you for reading up to this point.
Bookmark my website: https://metro.treeiq.biz if you enjoy this story.
