Filed to story: The Lie of a Hero's Rescue Book PDF Free
“Impulsively” I let out a hollow laugh.
“Jared, do you even know what professionalism means? I was in the command center.
I had to listen to that crap and still calmly translate the rescue orders for you.”
“I.” Jared trailed off, lost for words.
I stood up and walked to the window.
“The whole world thinks you’re a hero.
While you were basking in all that glory, did it ever cross your mind what would happen to your ‘hero’ status if this recording got out?” The city lights glittered outside, but I felt nothing but cold inside.
“Kathy, please, Let’s just talk, Okay?” For the first time, there was a hint of pleading in his voice.
“I messed up, I admit it.
But..”
“But what? You love her?” “No..”
“Then what? But she needs you? But she’s more fragile than I am?” I turned and faced the mirror, staring at the stranger reflected back at me.
“Or is it that being with her makes you feel more like a man?” Every word hit its mark, sharp as a knife.
“Kathy, just let me explain..”
“Save it.”
I yanked the curtains shut.
“Tomorrow, I’m going to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
I’m formally applying for the lead interpreter position at the G20 Summit.”
“What?” “I want the whole world to see what true professional integrity looks like.”
Ihung up and then blocked all his contact information.
The phone screen went dark, and I was alone in the room.
I sat on the edge of the bed and suddenly remembered our wedding night three years ago.
That night, Jared had a video call with Bailee in his study until dawn.
I waited in the living room all night, still in my wedding dress.
When morning came, he walked out and just said, “Sorry, Ballee’s situation was really urgent.”
Back then, I was naive enough to believe it was just work. Looking back, it was ridiculous.
The next morning, I received a call from Minister Julian Wilson.
“Kathy, come to my office.”
Julian was my mentor, a
Deputy Minister at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, His office was on the top floor.
When I walked in, he was reviewing some documents.
“Sit.”
He gestured to the sofa.
“Tea or coffee?” “Just water, please.”
Julian poured me a glass and then settled into the chair opposite me.
“So, telli me what’s going on.”
“Tell me, what’s going on?” I didn’t hold back.
I told him everything about the Mayland crisis, including the recordings.
Julian listened quietly.
When I finished, he was silent for a long moment.
“Kathy, you’ve been through a lot.”
His words shattered my composure, and tears welled up.
“Minister Wilson, am I a failure?” “A failure?” Julian shook his head, “You are the best interpreter l’ve ever seen.
Without you, the consequences of the Mayland crisis would have been unimaginable.”
“But I can’t even handle my own marriage..
“Marriage isn’t a job, Kathy.
It’s not something you can succeed at just by trying hard on your own.”
Julian rose and walked to the window.
“I always had a feeling there was something off about Jared.”
Ilooked up.
“You knew?” “A man who truly loves his wife doesn’t let her bear the weight of every diplomatic function alone.”
Julian turned to face me.
“Kathy, do you know what the international delegates said about you after the last UN General Assembly?” I shook my head.
“They said Zeonland has the finest interpreter in the world.”
Julian walked back and sat down.
“And Jared? In their eyes, he’s just another diplomat.”
His words surprised me.
“So, about the lead interpreter position for the G20 Summit..”
“If you want it, it’s yours.”
Julian said without hesitation.
“But Kathy, are you sure about this? Jared will also attend the summit.”
“I’m sure,” “Alright.”
Julian nodded, “Then I have only one condition.”
“Name it.”
“No matter what happens, the nation’s Interests come first.”
“I understand.”
Chapter 3 A Mentor’s Understanding As I left Julian’s office, I ran into Robert Walsh in the elevator.
He was in his black tactical uniform, his police insignia gleaming under the lights.
“Ms.Quinn,” he greeted me with a curt nod.
“Captain Waish.”
The elevator ride was quiet, filled only by the hum of machinery.
“I heard you’ll be the lead interpreter for the G20,” he said.
“Yes.”
“Looks like we’ll be working together again.”
Robert glanced at me and said, “I’m heading up summit security.”
The elevator doors opened, and I stepped out.
“Captain Walsh.”
I turned back to him.
“Thank you.
For what you did in Mayland..”
“Just doing my job.”
He interrupted, “No thanks needed.”
The doors closed, cutting off the view of his resolute figure.
I suddenly remembered the Mayland crisis, when everyone thought I was about to crack, and it was only Robert’s voice in the channel that said, “Ms.Quinn, hold steady.
We have five more minutes.”
His voice was my guiding light in the darkness.
The day before the ©20 Summit opened, my phone rang.
It was Bailee, “Kathy, can we meet?” Her voice was the same as always-fragile, with a hint of tears.
“Whatever you have to say, say it on the phone.”
“Kathy, I know you’ve misunderstood Jared, but..”
“Bailee,” I cut her off.
“In a professional context, you will address me as Ms.Quinn, and him as Minister Stanley.
There is no personal relationship between us anymore.”
“But.” “No buts,” I said, looking at my reflection in the mirror.
“Also, the summit starts tomorrow.