Sacrifice of One

"Robert, what kind of life does Wes have if the senator tries to cover up the truth about him?” Stevie asked. “Does the senator forbid him to go back to college for fear of his son's lifestyle being exposed? If he contracts or develops AIDS, does he isolate him like a leper?  And will the senator make amends for ignoring his son when he needed a father so desperately? Or will he still be too busy?"

"You're talking as if the police have already confirmed Wes to be AntiCrist. They haven't, Stephanie," Robert countered. "And besides, we have to think of the children of North California. Think how many of them—including your own—will be saved from drugs, from homosexuality, from child pornography, from assault—"

"The sacrifice of the one for the many," Stevie cut in, reminding Robert of his own words. Robert pressed his lips together again. "Maybe so," he said.  “The sacrifice of the one for the many.  After all, Jesus said, 'Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.'"

Stevie closed her eyes. "Don't," she whispered, pulling her hand away. "Don't quote Scripture to justify this. Wes Bellardi is not laying down his life; Senator Bellardi is taking it."  "It's an abortion, Robert, don't you see? Senator Bellardi is aborting his twenty-year-old son. And I will not be a part of it."