Page 397 of Master of My Life

“So you think one of our Elders is compromised?” he asked at last.

“I honestly have a hard time believing it, but if what Lia says is true, then yes.”

“That’s a serious charge, Chase.”

“I know.” Chase glanced at Lance, who had listened to the whole thing. His eyes were narrowed

in thought and he stared out the window into the darkening night.

“You think her sincere in what she shared?”

“I do.” He paused. “Do you think it’s suspicious she talked to me instead of you?”

“Not really.” Richard turned. “She doesn’t know me. You’re Jayson’s best friend and she’s spent

time with you. If she cares for Jayson, it makes sense that she would find you easier to confess to than

a stranger.”

“I don’t want Jayson to get hurt again,” Chase said, shaking his head.

“Chase, your gut is usually correct. I will speak with her tomorrow as you suggested, but I trust

you.” He smiled. “And her story makes sense.”

Chase blew out a breath and leaned back in his chair.

“What do you think, Lance?” Richard asked. “You look contemplative.”

Lance ran his thumb over his lower lip. “I think it’s entirely plausible that many of the Elders have

been compromised. We’ve been monitoring the news and the chaos has spread all over the world.”

He paused. “You would think it would be the same in all the major US cities, but Boston and New

York are calm. Well, relatively calm,” he added with a smile.

“You think Tom is safe?” Richard asked.

“Strategically, it would make sense to leave you and Tom alone until his big plan is in full swing,”

Lance said. “Tom was Devin’s friend, and you and Chase have a relationship with Sabrina. You

won’t easily be turned.”

“But Brandon and Javier were involved with Devin. They resisted.”

Lance shook his head. “It’s been ten years. People forget a lot in a decade.” He smiled. “Germany

is also quiet.”

Richard tilted his head and let out a long breath. “You’re right.” He turned back to the fire and

stared into the dancing flames. “I’ll speak to Lia tomorrow and then get in touch with the others as I

feel I can.” He sighed. “We must come up with a plan to fight quickly.”

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