Smith shook her again. “The Howell Institute. He’s not listed as a returnee.”
She stared up at the man, trying to order her thoughts.
Stick to your story,Travis told her.
“I don’t know what you’re talking about. Are you saying I didn’t meet Travis at the clinic? That’s wrong.”
Anger flared on Smith’s face. “It says he didn’t go back.”
“I...can’t help that,” she answered, trying to put some substance behind the words.
“And how did Bowman find you?”
Travis moved to her side.Tell him he said he saw your name on a list of children from the clinic.
“Uh, he said he saw my name on a list of children from the clinic.”
“That list is very private.”
“Well, it’s what he said.”
Travis’s voice was urgent.We have to make sure Gabe gives him the same story. He saw your name on the Howell Institute list.
But how can you speak to him mind-to-mind?
I don’t know. But I have to do it.He went on rapidly.Keep Smith here while I try to reach Gabe. And, if you can, send me power.
I don’t think I can.
Try. Keep trying.
Before she could respond, she knew Travis had left the room.
Olivia clenched her fists. Keep this monster here? That was the last thing she wanted to do, but she knew that Travis was right. She and Gabe had to have the same story.
“Who are you?” she asked in a weak voice. “Why did you bring me here? Where are we, anyway?”
He turned back to her. “You can call me Mr. Smith.”
It was a relief to hear the name. Now she didn’t have to pretend she didn’t know who he was.
“And why did you bring me here?”
“Because you showed up outside Travis Carson’s house when the detective dragged my man in there.”
She shuddered.
“Why were you there, exactly?” he demanded.
“I wanted to—help out.”
“Why?”
“Travis had approached me in town. I liked him.”
Smith’s gaze turned speculative. “And what kind of reaction did you have to him?”
How much should she say? What would Smith believe? He knew a lot about the clinic and the children. “I was attracted to him.”
