The sentence echoed again in Philip's head like a drumbeat he couldn't silence.
"He was with us."
Raymond Carter… shielded by The Circle?
It didn't make sense. How could someone so deeply trusted by The Circle keep such a past completely hidden? Philip had worked within the system for years, he had seen files, heard stories, but never once had Raymond's name come up as a former member.
Philipe sat frozen in the Top Room, his eyes locked on the box George had just handed him. His thoughts swirled. Everything he believed about Raymond, about The Circle, about this entire mission, suddenly felt like a puzzle with missing pieces.
He didn't even notice when George stood and walked back to his desk. George noticed the daze and cleared his throat.
"Philip," he said firmly. "Are you that surprised?"
Philip blinked and finally looked up. "You've never mentioned it. Not even once. Not even by accident."
