My Father Told Me to Pretend We’d Never Met at the White House—Then General Vance Announced I Oversaw His Defense Contract Review

“I believe your father is a careful businessman.”

“That isn’t what I asked.”

“No.”

He did not pretend certainty.

That made the uncertainty harder.

At 3:40, Daniel handed me the sealed folder again.

“Want me to prepare the recusal?”

“Not yet.”

“Kate.”

“I said not yet.”

He waited.

“Then we attend Thursday.”

“Yes.”

“Recusal would surrender direct authority.”

“To another officer?”

“Chosen normally.”

“No role in the recommendation?”

“Correct.”