Chapter 24 - NATHAN DAWSON’S LAST MESSAGEMonths after trial, an evidence technician found one final audio file on Nathan’s USB.
Corrupted header had hidden it.
Grant called Dominic.
Riley listened with him.
Nathan’s voice.
Softer.
Recorded later than cabin message.
Riley, if you hear this, you’re probably older than I want to imagine.
Riley smiled through immediate tears.
There are things I need you to know.
First: none of this is your responsibility.
Not my choices.
Not my enemies.
Not my unfinished work.
You do not owe me a brave life.
You only owe yourself an honest one.
Riley closed eyes.
Nathan continued:
Second: Dominic Vance is an idiot.
Dominic groaned.
Riley burst laughing.
Grant, across room, turned away.
But he is the kind of idiot who once carried me when I couldn’t walk.
If he answered your call, give him chance.
Dominic swallowed.
Then Nathan’s voice changed.
Dominic, if you’re listening too—
“Here we go,” Dominic muttered.
—do not turn my daughter into repayment for something I did in war.
Dominic looked at Riley.
Exactly conversation they'd already had.
You owe me nothing.
Dominic whispered:
“Wrong.”
Nathan recording continued:
We saved each other. That was point.
Stop keeping score.
Dominic laughed brokenly.
Riley placed hand over his.
If Riley needs someone, be there because you choose her. Not because you owe me.
Dominic closed eyes.
Nathan had anticipated everything.
Then final:
Riley, I am sorry I won't see who you become.
I hope you are loud.
I hope you are difficult when people ask you to be small.
I hope you laugh like your mother.
And if you're angry with me, be angry.
Love me anyway if you can.
But live.
Long silence.
Recording ended.
Riley cried until she could not.
Dominic stayed.
Eventually she said:
“I am angry.”
“I know.”
“I love him.”
“I know.”
“He left.”
“Yes.”
“He tried not to.”
“Yes.”
Riley leaned back.
“Both can be true?”
Dominic:
“Most painful things are.”
She nodded.
Then looked at him.
“You heard him.”
“Yes.”
“No more debt.”
Dominic sighed.
“Yes, ma’am.”
“So if I call you?”
“I answer because I choose to.”
“Even if it’s stupid?”
“Define stupid.”
“Algebra.”
Dominic frowned.
“I may block you.”
Riley laughed.
The number that once meant nowhere left to run now meant something else.
Someone would answer.
May you like
Not because of war.
Because she mattered.
