Page 23 of Girl Betrayed

Both men nodded and Jake relented, taking his seat again at the behest of Dana’s glower.

“Why don’t we let Claire tell us what she can handle at the moment,” Dana suggested.

“She looked at the photo,” Jake argued. “She doesn’t remember what happened last night.”

Claire swallowed. “But maybe I can.”

“You don’t have to do this,” Jake replied.

“I know. But I want to know what happened.”

Dr. Dvita spoke. “Right now, all we know is that there was a fire at Passages last night and one of my patients was murdered.”

“Who?” Claire asked.

“I think it’s best if we don’t supplant images in your mind. Let them come to you naturally,” he replied.

“But you think I know who did it?”

“Only you can answer that question.”

“Okay,” Claire sat straighter. “Let’s begin.”

17

It’sfun to let them in. To let them think they understand me. But they don’t. How can they when they can’t even see me? I’ve always existed. Right here in plain sight. But not everyone can see me. Only those very few special ones. And oh how I make them feel special, feel chosen. I tell them everything they need to hear. It’s how I draw them in. Deeper and deeper. Until they drown and I’m invisible once again.

But first I have to let them in.

Let them in so I can get out.

18

At first Danadidn’t taste the blood. She was spellbound by Claire’s hypnosis. She’d never witnessed one in person before. It seemed so simple, his voice the pendulum that lowered her into oblivion. He counted backwards.

“10.”

“9.”

“8.”

“7.”

“6.”

“5.”

“4.”

“3.”

“2.”

“1.”

And all at once the change occurred.

The labored breathing, the rapid eye movement, body tremors and muscle spasms. It was like watching a silent war.