“It won’t be that easy.” Mason heaved out a sigh. “She’s gone too far. She’s sent a warning that Shelly’s presence will not be tolerated. And at this point, even if Shelly stepped back, she probably wouldn’t stop what she’s doing. That’s my professional opinion.”
Clark concurred. “Megan is cold-hearted.”
“What’s her kryptonite?” I asked. “What would she be willing to die for?”
This time, it was Clark who scrubbed a hand down his face. Then he blew out a breath, his lips vibrating. “She doesn’t have anything. She has no attachments. She has no family, no one she loves.”
“He’s right. I’ve seen her file,” Mason said.
Clark looked surprised.
“I pulled all her records after you told me about your situation. I’m sorry. I just needed to know who and what I was dealing with when I asked you to help find Lynn.”
“What records?” Clark asked.
“Her hospitalizations. Clinic visits. Medication. Therapy sessions when she was inpatient.”
“So you know everything.” Clark spread his feet apart, like his world was suddenly unstable.
“Yes.”
“Does everyone?”
“No.”
By everyone, did they mean me?
“You three should leave tomorrow,” Clark said. “Leave your phone behind so she can’t track you. Pay for everything with cash. Turn off the navigator in your car, and just drive.”
“You think she’s dangerous? Really?”
“I know she is,” Clark stated.
“So you don’t think Shelly can fix this by just staying away from you?” Lynn asked.
“No,” Mason, Clark, and I all said at the same time.
“Then how will we fix this?” Lynn asked.
“I’m going to set a trap,” I said, my mind whirling. “And I’m going to be the bait.”
Clark gave me a tight nod.
“Are you going to hurt her?” Lynn asked. “Marley can’t help that Megan is in control right now.” She thumped her fist against her chest. “I know how that feels.”
I stood up and walked over to Lynn so I could stare directly into her eyes. “Yet the fact remains that Megan is in control right now, you’re all in danger, and I have to fix this.” I rested my palms on her shoulders and squeezed. “I’ll do everything I can to keep Marley safe. I promise.”
Mason cleared his throat. “When one alter ego is malevolent, the safest place for the host is in the hospital. Full time. But Megan has escaped from every facility where she has ever been placed.”
“So we’ll find one where she can’t get out,” Lynn suggested.
“But first we have to catch her,” Mason added.
“Oh, no problem.” I waved a hand breezily in the air. “I know exactly how to do that.”
Everyone in the room turned to stare at me. “How?” they all asked at once.
I glanced down at my watch. “I have a lot to do. I need to go.” I leaned in and gave Lynn a huge, loud kiss on the cheek.