Agent Reyes, now considerably more senior within her own federal career, attended that tenth-anniversary remembrance event as well, having maintained occasional contact with our family throughout the intervening years.
“I’ve handled considerable whistleblower cases throughout my career since,” she told me, during a quiet conversation at the reception. “Your wife’s story remains one I still reference occasionally, training newer agents about exactly what genuine, selfless cooperation actually looks like in practice.”
“I’m honored her example continues teaching people, even within federal training programs,” I said.
“She’d likely be uncomfortable with that particular honor,” Agent Reyes said, smiling slightly. “Given everything you’ve described about her genuine humility.”
“Considerably uncomfortable,” I agreed, laughing softly. “Though I think she’d ultimately understand the value, given how directly it might help protect future whistleblowers navigating similarly difficult circumstances.”
