“But does that warrant keeping him locked up? He’s already served eleven hard years, and I’ve seen no evidence of criminal behavior.”

“According to the file you showed me, Dr. Foletta just completed his annual evaluation, an evaluation you signed off on. If you had any objections, you should have spoken up then.”

“I realize that now. Is there anything you could recommend, anything I can do to challenge Foletta’s recommendations?”

“You want to challenge your sponsor’s evaluation? Based on what?”

Here we go … “Based on my personal belief that—well, that the patient’s claims might merit investigation.”

Dr. Owen shoots Dominique her infamous “befuddled look,” a look that has shattered many a grad student’s hopes for graduating. “Young lady, are you telling me that Mr.Gabriel actually has you convinced the world is coming to an end?”

Christ, I’m toast … “No, ma’am, but he did seem to know about that deep-space radio signal and—”

“No, as a matter of fact, according to the tape, he had no idea what was going to happen, only that something would happen on the equinox.”

The silent stare resumes, causing beads of sweat to break out beneath Dominique’s armpits.

“Dr. Owen, my only concern is to ensure my patient is receiving the best care possible. At the same time, I’m also concerned that, well, that he may not have been justly evaluated in the first place.”

“I see. So, let me get this straight—having worked with your very first patient for nearly a month—” Owen checks her notes. “No, wait, my mistake, it’s actually been over a month. Five weeks, to be exact.” Dr. Owen walks to her office door and closes it with authority. “Five full weeks on the job, and you’re not only questioning the last eleven years of the patient’s treatment, but you’re ready to challenge the director of the facility, hoping to release Mr.Gabriel back into society.”

“I realize that I’m just an intern, but if I see something’s not right, don’t I have a moral and professional obligation to report it?”

“Okay, so based on your infinite experience in the field, you feel that Dr. Anthony Foletta, a well-respected clinical psychiatrist, is unable to evaluate his own patient properly. Is that it?”

Don’t answer. Bite your tongue.

“Don’t just sit there and bite your tongue. Answer me.”

“Yes, ma’am.”

Owen sits on the edge of her desk, purposely positioning herself to tower over her graduate student. “Let me tell you what I think, young lady. I think you’ve lost your perspective. I think you’ve made the mistake of becoming emotionally involved with your patient.”

“No, ma’am, I—”