Chapter 10
The captain list had twelve names.
I summoned all twelve.
Not to punish.
To clarify.
Eight came immediately.
Four delayed.
Interesting.
I put Garrett’s list on the table.
Nobody looked comfortable.
“Anyone want to explain why my marriage became organizational research?”
One captain, Frank Caruso, spoke first.
“Garrett asked hypothetical questions.”
“About?”
“What happens if you step away.”
“I never discussed stepping away.”
“We know.”
“Now.”
He lowered his eyes.
Good.
Another captain admitted Garrett asked whether a spouse could temporarily command if the head became compromised.
Another said Evelyn talked about a future “Lawson-Carbone balance.”
I looked at Garrett.
“You used your mother too?”
His face tightened.
Evelyn laughed bitterly.
“We worked together.”
No.
Not exactly.
I saw Garrett’s expression.
He had not authorized everything she said.
Again.
Conspiracies become ecosystems.
Nobody controls every branch.
“What did you promise these men?”
Garrett answered himself.
“Nothing.”
I looked around.
Several nodded.
Interesting.
No bribes.
No threats.
Only possibility.
That was more dangerous in some ways.
Garrett had tested who was dissatisfied.
Who wanted more traditional male leadership.
Who resented my promotions.
Who missed old hierarchy.
He had not built a coup.
Yet.
He had built a weather map.
I asked Frank:
“Did you believe Garrett intended to replace me?”
“No.”
“What did you believe?”
“That he wanted more authority.”
Reasonable.
“And you?”
“I thought maybe he deserved some.”
Also reasonable.
I nodded.
Evelyn looked disgusted.
“You’re letting them admit disloyalty.”
“No.”
I turned.
“They’re admitting opinion.”
Different.
Then I looked around the table.
“If anyone believes Garrett should lead instead of me, say it.”
Silence.
One hand rose.
Then another.
Two.
Garrett stared.
I did not.
“Good.”
Evelyn looked shocked.
I almost smiled.
Power that cannot survive two raised hands is not power.
I looked at Garrett.
“That is respect.”
He frowned.
“Two men disagree with me openly and stay alive.”
Silence.
“You wanted the chair because you confused obedience with respect.”
May you like
His face changed.
For the first time, I think he understood.
