Page 34 of Nathan
“You did more than pull him off her. From what I understand you took the first swing.”
“Mhmm, but then he went into full-blown attack mode, screaming that he would kill me. I had to defend myself. All week, he’d been showing us methods to kill efficiently. When a man like that threatens you, it’s no joke.”
The general shook his head. “Captain Robertson. There’s a difference between defending yourself and knocking a man unconscious, with several broken bones.”
Drawing in a breath, I spoke on my exhalation. “I know it looks bad, but he broke two of my ribs on purpose. After that, I didn’t hold back. The man is a psychopath who takes pleasure in causing others pain. It’s something I have an issue with on a personal level.”
“Yes, you said that already. But it doesn’t justify almost killing a man. Your dismissal from the army is the least of your problems. You have a prison sentence and a big financial burden now.”
He was wrong. This was Ireland, and Mr. Gomez’ demand of twelve million dollars in compensation had been reduced to one hundred and eighty-two thousand dollars by the civil court. Enough to cover two years of income and legal expenses for Mr. Gomez, but not enough to ruin me. The prison sentence was three months that I’d already served after my arrest. What I needed was to get back to my job and my life.
“I didn’t attack a helpless man.”
“No, I agree that you picked a worthy opponent, but assault is assault. I suggest that you work on managing your anger.”
Pushing up from the chair, I took another deep breath of air. At least my two broken rib bones had healed by now. “I don’t have a problem managing my anger. I chose to react because I’ve seen how bullies and psychopaths work, and I’ll never empower them with my silence again.”
The general stood up as well, his fingertips pressing down on his table, and his stern expression set in stone. “Captain Robertson. Consider yourself dismissed from the army. We’re done here!”
