Chapter 7 - Nathan’s MotherMargaret Ross invited Sarah to her home.

Sarah almost refused.

Then went.

Margaret opened door.

Older.

Smaller.

Still unmistakably Nathan’s mother.

For a moment neither moved.

Then Margaret said:

“You look tired.”

Sarah laughed.

“So do you.”

Fair.

They sat at kitchen table.

Eli joined.

Margaret placed another envelope down.

“I was angry with you.”

“I know.”

“I wanted someone alive to blame.”

Sarah looked at her.

“That sounds familiar.”

Victor? Different story, don't cross. Just general.

Margaret continued:

“Nathan’s father blamed the Air Force. I blamed you. Eli blamed everyone.”

Eli nodded.

“Healthy family.”

Margaret almost smiled.

Then:

“I found this in Nathan’s storage after you landed Flight 229.”

Inside was a printed email.

Nathan to Vance:

If this is closed without independent review and something happens, responsibility will not be on Mitchell. I am reporting a mechanical pattern.

Sarah could not speak.

Nathan had named her.

Protected her.

Before accident.

Margaret reached across table.

“I am sorry I never showed you.”

“You didn't know.”

“I found it eight years ago.”

Sarah stared.

“Eight?”

“I couldn't reopen everything.”

There.

Another silence.

Human.

Understandable.

Still consequential.

Margaret cried.

“I thought if I gave this to you, Eli would start asking questions. I was afraid of losing him to flying too.”

Eli looked hurt.

“Mom.”

“I know.”

Family protection through concealment.

Sarah had seen enough.

She said gently:

“Bring it to investigators.”

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Margaret nodded.

This time she did.