Email: Subterfuge [DR]

I think your intuitions are right. Most people choose to be loyal to their jobs rather than their friends, when put to the test, even if they hate the work (which really messes them up, but that's another story). I believe the [story] on the surface but I haven't confirmed it independently; I guess given X's machinations, anything could be possible. (See how screwed up it gets when you can't take someone at their word?) [I]t's possible others learned about it and drew their own conclusions, independent of the facts. You can always shoot a condemned criminal more cleanly if you don't put him on trial or ask any questions, and do so when he's not looking -- or limping in the other direction.