“That’s especially convenient in this case, isn’t it?” Sierra said. “Because Marge doesn’t have a family. But we don’t want to talk about her. We’re here to find Loring.”

“Dr. Loring was called away on a family emergency. I have no idea where he is or how to get in touch with him.” Garraway stood. “Now, if that is all, I must ask you to leave. I am a busy man.”

“We think Loring was running some experiments on Marge and possibly on some of your other patients,” North said.

Garraway flushed and abruptly sat down. “Are you with the government? Because I assure you, we are in strict compliance with all the rules and regulations pertaining to our facility. I will also stress that this is a private institution, not a public hospital.”

“This is a personal matter,” North said. “You could say that Marge is a client.”

“You’re working for a woman whose last name you don’t know?” Garraway was incredulous. “That’s ridiculous. You can’t possibly expect me to believe that. And even if it’s true, it changes nothing. Loring isn’t here. I have no idea where he is and I have absolutely no intention of telling you anything about a member of my staff.”

North got to his feet and took a card out of the pocket of his leather jacket. “In that case, we’ll be on our way. If you think of anything that might be helpful, let us know.”

“That is not going to happen,” Garraway said, jaw clenched. He got up, circled the desk and opened the door. “Ralph will see you out.”

Ralph, as it happened, was conveniently standing in the hall. He looked startled when the door opened abruptly. North was pretty sure he had been eavesdropping.

“This way,” Ralph said.

The screaming started when they reached the lobby.

“No, no, don’t let them get me. They’re monsters.”

North looked at the stairs on the far side of the room and saw a man in his early twenties who was obviously a patient. He was dressed in a gray robe and slippers. He stared at North and Sierra with a wild-eyed, panicky expression. An orderly gripped the patient’s arm and spoke to him in low, soothing tones.

“It’s all right, Carl,” the orderly said. “They’re leaving. They won’t hurt you. You’re safe here.”

“You don’t understand,” Carl wailed. “I can see them. They’re strong, just like Dr. Loring, except that the colors are different. Don’t let them put me in the light room. I’ll be good. I promise. I’m cured.”

“Remember the rule,” Ralph said quietly to North and Sierra. “Don’t make eye contact.”

But it was too late. North was looking straight at Carl. He knew that Sierra was, too. Carl stared back, stricken.

“It’s all right, Carl,” the orderly said. “They’re just visitors. They aren’t here to give you any treatments.”

He steered Carl away from the top of the stairs and guided him down a hallway.

“Are you sure?” Carl asked. “Because I really, really hate the lights.”