Chapter 16 - THE VERDICT IN WASHINGTONMarcus Vale's trial lasted nine weeks.
His defense was sophisticated.
He claimed Harbor was an unofficial national-security program authorized after a series of classified threats.
No signed authorization was ever produced.
But enough evidence existed to prove conspiracy, obstruction, financial crimes, and involvement in illegal operations.
Vale was convicted.
Before sentencing, he requested five minutes alone with me.
Against advice, I accepted.
We sat across from each other.
No uniforms.
No ranks.
Just two people.
“Do you hate me?”
“No.”
He looked surprised.
“I pity you.”
That hurt him more.
Vale leaned forward.
“You think Harbor dies with me?”
“No.”
“Good.”
“Because systems don't die when one man gets arrested.”
Vale smiled.
“You learned.”
“I learned to keep digging.”
His smile disappeared.
He whispered:
“Then dig into Raven Rock.”
A guard entered.
Time was over.
Vale stood.
Before leaving, he looked back.
“Elena.”
“Yes?”
May you like
“When you find what is there, don't trust the person who helps you.”
Then he disappeared through the door.
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