Lucas took Nora to an old research wing outside the main university campus. Vivian knew the place, and that frightened Ethan more than the locked gates. They arrived in separate cars, but at almost the same time. Vivian used her faculty access to get through the first secur

No one moved for several seconds after Ethan spoke. Vivian stood beside the treatment chair, one hand covering her mouth. Lucas recovered first.

"This room needs to be cleared," he said. "Now."

Ethan looked at him.

Lucas turned to the assistants. "Shut down the sy

Vivian moved Ethan back to the Hart clinic the next morning. This time, she did not strap him down. That told him his lie had worked. He ate when they brought food. Took the medication he knew was safe. Answered the psychiatrist's questions in short, empty sentenc