“That was theory number two,” Lucas said. “Figured you blamed us for your own miscalculation. We were certain that, if you were alive, you would be out for revenge. Instead, you just vanished.”

“That’s one of the few things my talent is good for,” Harlan said.

“Not true,” Olivia murmured.

The men paid no attention. They were focused on settling the great mysteries of the past.

“You figured we would try to eliminate you,” Victor said. He nodded a couple of times. “Logical assumption.”

“Certainly seemed that way to me,” Harlan said. “I was supposed to be the heir apparent to the Foundation throne. Figured you’d want me out of the picture.”

“What the hell have you been doing for the past five years?” Victor demanded.

“Drifting. Odd jobs.”

Victor and Lucas looked skeptical. Olivia decided it was time to speak up.

“And research,” she said. “By the way, he’s telling the truth.”

Victor, Lucas and Harlan finally remembered that she was at the table. They all looked at her.

“You’re certain?” Victor asked.

She gave him a dazzling smile. “Absolutely certain. I’m supposed to be an oracle, remember? We know stuff like that.” She saw the waiter approaching and straightened in anticipation. “Oh, good. Here comes the food.”

The waiter arranged the dishes on the table. Harlan, Victor and Lucas were immediately distracted.

“Can I get you anything else?” the waiter asked.

“Another round of drinks should do it,” she said. “Thank you.”

The waiter nodded and departed. Harlan, Victor and Lucas descended on the food. Olivia managed to commandeer the bowl of edamame. The men either didn’t notice or didn’t care. They were preoccupied with the pizza.

Victor contemplated Olivia with a reflective air while he munched a bite of pizza. “What makes you so sure Rancourt is telling the truth?”

“Elementary, my dear Victor.” She picked up one of the steamed soybean pods. “When you have eliminated the impossible—”

“Yeah, yeah, get to your point,” Victor growled.

She put the pod between her lips and used her teeth to slide the beans out directly into her mouth. She tossed the empty pod aside, munched and swallowed. She smiled at Victor.

“I’m sure Harlan is telling you the truth because he has no reason to lie. He was forced to sacrifice his goal of avenging his father because the man who murdered Stenson Rancourt took his own life. He stayed away from the Foundation all these years because he did not want any part of it. The only reason he showed up at your front door a few days ago was because he realized Vortex had become a serious problem for all of us.”

Victor and Lucas exchanged looks. Harlan ate some pizza.

Victor turned back to Olivia. “Huh.”

Lucas nodded, satisfied. “A moment ago you said there were other uses for Harlan’s talent besides hiding in plain sight. What did you have in mind?”