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an orphanage after I left my cousins. Iz and Edith Axler are wonderful people. They’re both marine biologists. They operate a SOSUS station on Sanibel Island.”
    “SOSUS?”
    “It’s a sound underwater surveillance system, a global network of undersea microphones. The Navy deployed SOSUS during the cold war to detect enemy subs. Biologists took over the system, using it to eavesdrop on marine life. It’s actually sensitive enough to listen in on pods of whales hundreds of miles away as—”
    The penetrating eyes cut her off. “Why did you leave your cousin? Something traumatic must have happened for you to have ended up in an orphanage.”
    He’s worse than Foletta . “Mick, I’m here to talk about you.”
    “Yes, but perhaps I’ve also had a traumatic childhood. Perhaps your story could help me.”
    “I doubt it. Everything turned out fine. The Axlers gave me back my childhood, and I’m—”
    “But not your innocence.”
    Dominique feels the blood rush from her face. “All right, now that we’ve established that you’re a quick study, let’s see if you can focus that amazing IQ of yours in on yourself.”
    “You mean, so you can help me?”
    “So we can help each other.”
    “You haven’t read my file yet, have you?”
    “Not yet, no.”
    “Do you know why Director Foletta assigned you to me?”
    “Why don’t you tell me?”
    Mick stares at his hands, contemplating a response. “There’s a study, written by Rosenhan. Have you read it?”
    “No.”
    “Would you mind reading it before we meet again? I’m sure Dr. Foletta must have a copy stashed in one of those cardboard boxes he calls a filing system.”
    She smiles. “If it’s important to you, then I’ll read it.”
    “Thank you.” He leans forward. “I like you, Dominique. Do you know why I like you?”
    “No.” The fluorescent bulbs perform a moonlight dance in his eyes.
    “I like you because your mind hasn’t become institutionalized. You’re still fresh, and that’s important to me, because I really want to confide in you, but I can’t, at least not in this room, not with Foletta watching. I also think you may be able to relate to some of the hardships I’ve gone through. So I’d like to talk to you about a lot of things, very important things. Do you think we could talk in private next time? Perhaps down in the yard?”
    “I’ll ask Dr. Foletta.”
    “Remind him of the facility’s rules when you do. Would you also ask him to give you my father’s journal. If you’re to be my therapist, then I feel it’s of vital importance that you read it. Would you mind doing that for me?”
    “I’d be honored to read it.”
    “Thank you. Would you read it soon, perhaps over the weekend? I hate to give you homework, this being your first day and all, but it’s vitally important that you read it right away.”
    The door swings open, the nurse entering. The guard waits outside, watching at the doorway. “Time for your medication, Mr. Gabriel.” She hands him the paper cup of water, then the white tablet.
    “Mick, I have to go. It was nice meeting you. I’ll do my best to have my homework done by Monday, okay?” She stands, turning to leave.
    Mick is staring at the pill. “Dominique, the relatives on your mother’s side. They’re Quiche Maya, aren’t they?”
    “Mayan? I-I don’t know.” He knows you’re lying . “I mean it’s possible. My parents died when I was very—”
    The eyes look up suddenly, the effect disarming. “Four Ahau , three Kankin . You know what day that is, don’t you, Dominique?”
    Oh, shit … “I-I’ll see you soon.” Dominique pushes past the guard, exiting the room.
    Michael Gabriel places the pill carefully in his mouth. He drains the cup of water, then crumples it in the palm of his left hand. He opens his mouth, allowing the nurse to probe with her tongue depressor and pencil-thin flashlight, verifying that he has swallowed the medication.
    “Thank you, Mr. Gabriel. The guard