“I’m sorry.”
For years, I had wanted those words.
Now that they had arrived, they did not undo anything.
“I hear you,” I said.
I could not give him more.
The Lantern Pin
General Ellison said the implications went beyond family. If Lantern Map involved compromised research, the next steps had to be handled properly.
Dr. Vale placed her own key on the table.
It was marked L-16.
“The archive vault requires both keys and my biometric confirmation.”
“The archive is on Vale Foundation property,” she said. “Twenty minutes from the academy.”
My father shook his head.
“No. Not today.”
“Richard—”
“No,” he said, more pleading than commanding. “At the ceremony, I saw someone.”
General Ellison’s posture changed.
“Who?”
“A man in the second row. Gray suit. Lantern pin on his lapel.”
The room chilled.
Dr. Vale gripped the chair.
“Are you certain?”
“A small brass pin. A lantern with a blue center.”
Dr. Vale whispered, “That is not possible.”
“What does it mean?” I asked.
“It was the internal marker for the original Lantern Map team. Only twelve were made.”
General Ellison ordered security to discreetly pull ceremony and reception footage.
My father looked at me.
“This is why I wanted the envelope.”
“No,” I said. “You wanted control. There’s a difference.”
He bowed his head.
Then the door opened.
Valerie entered without waiting, with Brianna behind her.
“What is going on?” Valerie demanded. “People are asking why Richard disappeared. Brianna is upset. This has already been embarrassing enough.”
Dr. Vale’s expression cooled.
“This is a private matter concerning Natalie’s mother.”
Valerie’s mouth tightened.
“Laura again.”
The room went silent.
My father looked at her sharply.
Valerie continued, unable to stop.
“I’ve lived in that woman’s shadow since I married you. Her picture, her recipes, her boxes in the attic. Her perfect memory making everything I did look wrong.”
Brianna whispered, “Mom.”
My father’s voice was low.
“You knew today was Natalie’s graduation.”
