The idea that Christian was potentially involved was a discord I had with him. He’d assured me he wasn’t like his father. I would hate to learn I had been wrong for trusting his word because the lie would change how things worked between us. Christian would be tossed up as the sacrificial lamb, the best decision for those I loved. The Collective would do anything to save their asses and keep their power, money, and prestige. None of us were ever truly safe from reproach.
