Chapter 8 - WHY RICHARD FEARED THOMAS KEENE
Once Emily was safe and deputies had taken initial statements, Thomas and I spoke near the driveway.
“What happened?” he asked.
“Family first.”
He nodded.
We waited.
When I finally explained the acquisition folder, Thomas’s expression changed.
“Arthur, I need to be careful here.”
“I know.”
“If Whitmore is pursuing work connected to any command relationship I touch, I can’t privately investigate them for you.”
“I’m not asking you to.”
“Good.”
I told him about my name being used.
That was enough.
Thomas said I should document the issue formally through the appropriate contracting and inspector channels.
No promises.
No threats.
Then Richard walked toward us.
He had dismissed Ryan’s behavior for hours.
Now he suddenly looked deeply concerned.
“General Keene.”
Thomas shook his hand without warmth.
“Mr. Whitmore.”
Richard glanced toward me.
“There seems to be some misunderstanding involving old business materials.”
Interesting.
Thomas had not mentioned business.
Neither had I in Richard’s presence.
I asked:
“What misunderstanding?”
Richard’s face tightened.
“We used Arthur’s background in one capabilities discussion. Informally.”
“You used my name?”
“Not as an endorsement.”
“Then why did someone tell partners I reviewed your compliance?”
Richard looked toward the deputies.
“This is hardly the time.”
There it was again.
Wrong time.
Wrong place.
Wrong tone.
Thomas said quietly:
“Then address it through counsel and your contracting chain Monday.”
Richard swallowed.
May you like
That was all Thomas needed to say.
Because legitimate systems are frightening to people who depend on private understandings.
