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 did not help him.

I did not help Arthur.

The panel asked whether there had been family contact concerning the review.

Arthur said:

“Family conversations are private.”

“That wasn’t the question.”

Then General Vance explained formally:

“The review has been transferred.”

Arthur looked up.

“To whom?”

“An independent officer.”

“Who reports to you?”

“The review chain is separate from General Mercer’s.”

Arthur’s mouth opened.

Closed.

Vance continued.

“Kate will have no role in the final recommendation.”

Arthur stared at me.