Page 242 of Hidden Depths

"We all did."

Nathan picked up the photograph.

His hands trembled.

"He looks happy."

Thomas nodded.

"He was."

Nathan looked confused.

"If he was happy..."

"What changed?"

Thomas sighed deeply.

"Money."

Silence.

"He lost everything in an investment."

"He owed people more than he could ever repay."

"And Charles Ashford found him before James knew what was happening."

Nathan slowly lowered the photograph.

"So Ashford bought him."

Thomas's eyes filled with sorrow.

"I think he bought his fear."

No one spoke.

Finally Ben broke the silence.

"So your father wasn't born a traitor."

Nathan stared at the picture.

"No."

Thomas answered quietly.

"He became one."

Nathan closed his eyes.

"I wish he'd trusted James."

"So do I."

Thomas reached back into the steel box.