He reached into his inside jacket pocket and took out a heavy silver pen.

“The state takes full financial responsibility, and we remove ourselves as guarantors.”

“It’s the cleanest option for everyone involved.”

He unscrewed the cap of his pen and set it neatly next to the pages.

“You told me I was average,” I said.

“You said Allison was the investment worth protecting.”

Richard looked at the tip of his pen instead of my face.

“We have to prioritize the child with the highest probability of success.”