Vincent wore a smug expression that said I knew you'd ask that. He replied casually, "That's exactly why I said he's an illegitimate son—someone who can't be brought into the light. So they could only find a way to get him money, let him build his own safehouse, and stockpile supplies."

With that explanation, Simon found himself unable to argue.

He fell silent for a moment, at a loss for words.

It was Channing who broke into a faint smile. "Isn't there another possibility… that this man is al