...............Well said W.O. Benning! So we know now what I suspected either Dave mistook his actions 5 years ago, or Benning is bi-sexual or gay, or Dave was flat out lying. The problem is that his family sent him away immediately, so guilty as charged would seem to be the case. (He cannot come clean if he wants to stay in the Army) But the real problem for the town is if they don't listen to W.O. Benning, as foretasted by the Shire President the town can burn to the ground and if Benning saves the town he is a hero, and his sexual orientation is a mute point. His having a family will weigh heavily in his favor,. Yet even with that 'escape' route, he will have to face the truth as it will eventually catch up to him. (I ought to know).
Great revealing chapter!