“When was that?”
“It was a year after I entered the program. My previous handler thought it could help make my testimony stronger, but I didn’t remember anything new at all.”
“Luc told me this morning that you remembered something on your own, which is a good sign that maybe your brain is ready to handle the other memories.”
“He told you about the dream?” Priscilla put down her mug with a thunk. That had been a private memory, something she didn’t want to share with anyone else.
Her voice must have been sharper than she realized because Dr. Devins held up a hand. “Whoa there. Don’t shoot the messenger. Luc only said you had a brief memory. He didn’t provide any specific details.”
Priscilla offered a smile. “I have very little of my life that I don’t have to share—with law enforcement—so I tend to be protective.”
“I understand.”
“Do you really think remembering more details is going to help us catch this killer?” She was willing to try almost anything to finally be free from the hiding and lying. The more details she could remember, the better chance the federal prosecutor had of putting Culvert in prison once the FBI captured him. But could hypnosis uncover memories that would help the investigation or only show her she had nothing left to remember? She wasn’t sure which prospect scared her more.
Dr. Devins leaned forward, his expression earnest. “I do. I think you’re ready, probably more ready than you’ll ever be. You just need a little push in the right direction. Are you game to try again?”
“Yes.” She summoned a shaky smile. Now that more was at stake than just remembering additional details about the murders, she was willing to try again. “When?”
“After breakfast?”
As if on cue, Laura appeared in the doorway, a platter of crisp bacon in one hand and a bowl of scrambled eggs in the other. “Breakfast is served in the dining room.”
* * *
Luc stared at his face in the mirror above the bathroom sink, willing his stomach to stop flip-flopping. The inner turmoil was turning his breakfast of bacon, eggs and toast into one soggy mess. The discovery he’d learned over breakfast regarding the threatening note delivered to a dead witness’s house had put a damper on the conversation. Priscilla had been particularly quiet during the meal, whether because of the note, the events of the past forty-eight hours or the upcoming hypnotherapy session, Luc didn’t know. All he did know was that he was nervous about the session and worried about her safety.
Dr. Devins had requested his attendance during the session with Priscilla because the psychiatrist believed Luc’s presence would help shake loose her lost memories, given he had been with her during the pivotal time she needed to recall.
Luc splashed water on his face, then used the hand towel to blot his face dry. He must be calm or he’d rattle Priscilla. The last thing he wanted to do was drive all thoughts of the events leading up to and surrounding their wedding completely out of Priscilla’s mind—forever. This session could lead to the resolution of their marriage, freeing them both. Why that prospect wasn’t as attractive as it had been a few days ago, he didn’t want to think about.
A rap on the door nearly made him drop the towel. He hung it back up and opened the door. Myers stood outside, his face impassive. “Dr. Devins is ready.”
Luc followed Myers to the bedroom where the session would take place.
At the door, Myers turned. “We’ll be right outside this door, and we’ve stepped up patrols around the house.”
Luc nodded. The marshals had dressed in more casual clothes today, allowing their shoulder harnesses and holstered weapons to be on display. Luc hoped the show of force would help Priscilla relax enough for the hypnotherapy to work.
Myers stepped back as Luc opened the door. Priscilla sat on the bed, and Dr. Devins had dragged two of the dining room chairs into the room. The blinds had been closed to block out some of the morning sun.
“Luc, thank you for joining us. Priscilla, please lie against the pillows. Luc will sit in the chair beside you.” Dr. Devins directed Luc to his position. “When I start the session, your job is to be quiet.”