As has been the case for much of the novel when it comes to Jude, Callum feels like he has to prove himself. But Callum also struggles to trust that Jude is on his side, or that Jude even wants Callum to prove himself at all. This lingering familial tension means that Callum can’t trust that his involvement with the LM is going to go well. The McGregors’ familial dysfunction is still causing issues, even years after the family members parted ways.