Chapter 15 - THE ADMIRAL'S CONFESSIONMercer held a press conference.
No dramatic backdrop.
No ceremonial flags.
No prepared excuses.
“My name is something I am still learning how to answer.”
Cameras erupted.
“For twenty-one years, I believed I was Daniel Mercer.”
He revealed Benjamin Cole.
Voss.
The beacon.
The false report.
Then he spoke Thomas's name.
“Petty Officer First Class Thomas Reed did not cause Blackwater.”
Silence filled the room.
“He recognized the danger.”
“He entered Rescue Six to save his brother.”
“He saved multiple survivors.”
“And he saved me.”
Mercer looked directly into the cameras.
“For twenty-one years, Thomas Reed carried blame that belonged to others.”
His voice tightened.
“Including me.”
Noah watched from the rear of the room.
Mercer finished with six words.
“That lie ends with me today.”
Across America, Thomas Reed's name changed overnight.
From disgraced sailor.
May you like
To hero.
But Kessler was not finished.
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