against him,” she said bluntly. “So you withheld information from the CID

because of your husband?” The words, perhaps now fueled by the meds instead of

inhibited by them, came out in rush. “It was different back then. I was

different.

 

I had seven kids to raise. And I couldn’t do anything that would jeopardize

Stan’s career. He was the breadwinner in the family, John. So, no, I didn’t

really tell them what I thought or knew.” “So why did you raise it all now?” She

ran a hand over her forehead and Puller could see that it was shaking.

 

She said, “I’m a devout Catholic. All of my children were raised in the Catholic

faith. I’ve attended Mass every week for as long as I can remember.” She paused

to catch her breath. “So I cannot go to my death without doing something to

right a great wrong. I wanted to avenge my friend.” “Your husband doesn’t agree

with you.” “Stan didn’t know anything about it. Jackie would never have confided

in him. And besides, like I said, he would never have heard a word against your

father.” Puller could understand that this would very likely be true. “But why

are you sure that he harmed her? I mean, you must have been to write that letter

all these years later.” Once more she lifted herself up on the pillow and

focused on him. “I said that the CID never focused on your father because he was

out of the country.” “Right.” “Well, that was wrong. He was not out of the

country. He was in Hampton on that day.” Puller felt his chest tighten. “How do

you know that?” “Because I saw him!” “Where? How?” “I was out running an errand.

I saw your father drive down the street. He wasn’t in your family car. He was

driving another Armyissued vehicle.” “You’re sure it was him?” “I was six feet