Page 28 of Artifice

Even if it meant putting herself in danger.

CHAPTER 15

The pattern continued with the next student, a sullen boy named Josh who artificially brightened when he recited that “Lighthouse Harbor provides a safe harbor where we can weather the storms of adolescence and prepare for calmer waters ahead.”

When Olive asked about his family visits, he responded with practiced precision about the “structured family engagement program designed to heal relationships and build sustainable support systems.”

By the fifth interview, Olive had identified eight phrases that every student had used verbatim. When Peter, a gangly seventeen-year-old with nervous eyes, entered the room, she decided to try a different approach.

“Do you ever leave campus? I hear there’s an amazing gazebo nearby where students like to hang out after hours.” Colin’s mother had mentioned the place to Olive. Apparently, he really liked to hang out there when he needed to get away.

She hadn’t seen the structure yet for herself. It was out of view of the building—probably just the way the students liked it.

Did the admin know about this after-school meeting place?

She wasn’t sure.

Peter’s face paled slightly at the mention of the gazebo. “Students aren’t allowed in that area.”

His fingers twitched against his leg as he spoke.

“Oh? Is it dangerous?”

“Lighthouse Harbor prioritizes student safety above all else,” he replied automatically. “Our comprehensive safety protocols ensure that all residents can focus on their personal growth journey without concern.”

“Of course.” Olive smiled reassuringly. “I was just curious about the stories I’ve heard. Something about students who’ve gone missing?”

Peter’s eyes darted to the door. Director Ingraham had stepped away momentarily. His shoulders seemed to relax ever so slightly.

He leaned forward. “They don’t want us talking about?—”

The door opened fully as Director Ingraham waltzed in with a steaming mug and asked brightly, “How are we doing in here?”

It was like she knew what they were talking about. Had she been standing outside the door listening just out of sight?

Maybe.

Peter straightened immediately. “I was just telling Ms. Bettencourt how Lighthouse Harbor has given me the structure I need to succeed.”

“Wonderful.” Director Ingraham beamed. “Peter has made remarkable progress in our program, haven’t you, Peter?”

“The dedicated staff provides both boundaries and opportunities for growth.” His voice went flat again.

When Peter left, he was replaced by a thin girl named Eliza who spoke about the “holistic wellness approach that nourishes mind, body, and spirit” while never making eye contact.

When asked about the educational offerings, she praised the “personalized academic curriculum that allows students tomaintain educational momentum while addressing behavioral challenges.”

Throughout all seven interviews, not a single student mentioned anything concrete about their daily lives, their actual experiences, or their relationships with staff or other students.

They spoke of nothing genuine—just words drilled into their vocabulary.

It was as if they were speaking a foreign language using only catchphrases from a limited word list.

In between students, Director Ingraham returned, expectant smile in place. “I hope these conversations have been illuminating, Ms. Bettencourt. Our students are our best ambassadors.”

“Indeed.” Olive closed her notebook. “They certainly stay on message.”

Margaret’s smile faltered only slightly. “We encourage positive expression about their experiences here. Many arrive with negative communication patterns—blaming, exaggerating, manipulating. Learning to articulate the benefits of their program is part of their growth.”