“The laws keep changing, don’t they.” I’ve seen enough on the feeds to know there’s a new protest every day from anti-clone factions who don’t believe clones should be allowed citizenship. Who believe they should all be ejected from the country. “But where are they supposed to go?” I ask, feeling desperate. “Most clones were born here, even if they weren’t conceived on U.S. soil. And the Similars—they can’t go back to him, Jane. They can’t.”

The thin smile on her face becomes a line as she sets her pen down and settles back in her chair. “I know they can’t. Don’t think I don’t know everything that man is capable of. I was married to him.”

“You know it wasn’t his idea to do it, don’t you?” The words tumble out of my mouth. “Levi, I mean. He didn’t want to swindle you out of that stock last year. He couldn’t care less about the money. Or controlling your family’s company. He never would have wanted to become a part of your lives by tricking you. That’s not who he is. Gravelle made him do it. He had no choice.”

I take in a breath, unsure if I should go on.

“Gravelle put them through so much. Growing up isolated like they did,” I add, when she doesn’t respond. “They had nothing. Can you imagine? Him, as your only parent? And he never let them in. Never showed them the kind of unconditional love every child needs to thrive. That’s why I don’t blame Levi for the decisions he made last year.”

Jane rubs her temples, and I can see she’s considering what I’m telling her. She spreads her hands out over the desk, turning her wedding ring around on her finger. “I’ve tried, Emma. I thought after I got Oliver back, especially then…” she says. “I thought I’d easily forgive Levi. Snap my fingers and welcome him into the family. But it’s not so simple,” she explains.

I wish I could be a better person. That boy, he deserves a better mother figure than me. Because I’m not strong enough to forgive him, not after he—

It’s happening again. I am hearing Jane’s thoughts, like she’s whispering them in my ear.

Oh god. Oh heavens, no…

“Jane?” I shoot up from my seat. Something’s obviously wrong. “What is it?”

Jane’s face falls as she looks down at an incoming buzz on her plum. “A clone was killed today. Two men attacked her on a subway platform in New York City. They chanted ‘go home, clone’ before stabbing her and running off. The men are still at large. I’m sorry, Emma, but—”

If anything happens to a single one of them, it will be on me…