“First,” Thane said quietly. “I truly believed Eva would be safe. I understand if you want nothing to do with me ever again, but know that if I’d known she was in any danger, I would have stopped it or died trying.”

“I know that Thane.”

“Second, disregard what the IVSCD told you.”

Kate shook her head, saying, “Thane, I get it all now. Why you were so, closed off? Why you avoided specifics to what you do, why you’re dressed the way you are. If it ...