Chapter 13 - Claire’s DownfallWhile Grant was drowning in the military justice system, Claire Dawson was finding out exactly how small the world of defense contracting really was.
With her Seattle firm completely bankrupt and her assets frozen by Owen’s aggressive litigation, Claire packed whatever designer clothes she hadn't yet sold to consignment shops and flew to Washington, D.C. She figured she could leverage her past connections to land a senior consulting role at a major aerospace firm.
She managed to secure an interview at Lockheed Martin. She bought a new suit on a high-interest credit card, determined to charm her way back to the top.
She sat in the sleek, glass-walled HR office, smiling brightly at the recruiting director.
"Your resume is impressive, Ms. Dawson," the director said, tapping his pen against his desk. "Your work with naval logistics integration in the Pacific Northwest was highly rated."
"Thank you," Claire beamed. "I pride myself on building strong relationships with military commanders to ensure seamless project delivery."
The director didn't smile back. He looked down at a secondary folder on his desk. "Yes. About those relationships. We run a comprehensive background check on all potential hires, specifically regarding active civil litigation and security clearance status."
Claire felt a cold bead of sweat roll down her spine. "I... I have a minor contract dispute pending with a private foundation, but my legal team is handling it."
"Ms. Dawson, you are currently the primary defendant in a multi-million dollar fraud lawsuit brought by the Bennett Harbor Foundation," the director read from the paper, his tone turning frosty. "Furthermore, the DoD Inspector General has flagged your file regarding the revocation of your security clearance due to inappropriate fraternization with a commanding officer. We are a federal contractor. We cannot, under any circumstances, hire a liability of this magnitude."
"I was manipulated!" Claire stammered, her polished facade cracking. "The commander abused his authority! You can't hold that against me!"
"I’m sorry, Ms. Dawson," the director said, standing up to indicate the interview was over. "The defense industry relies on discretion and ethics. You have demonstrated neither. Security will escort you to the lobby."
Over the next two months, the rejections piled up. Word spread. Claire Dawson was blacklisted across the entire industry. The legal fees from Owen’s relentless lawsuit drained whatever savings she had hidden away.
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By the time the winter snows hit, Claire had no choice but to declare Chapter 7 bankruptcy. The last update I received from my legal team included a verified employment check for wage garnishment. The woman who had worn $2,000 blouses and laughed at my son from a command window was now working as an assistant manager at a mid-tier retail clothing store in a strip mall in Virginia, spending her days folding sweaters and dealing with angry customers.
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