“No,” she answered quickly, almost blurting it out. Then she was angry at herself for letting him frighten her. “That is, he’s not right here with me, but he is here in Shalev.”

“Could you send for him? I’d love to see somebody from the village.”

The Major sighed. “This boy is not going to forgive easily, is he.”

“Well?” came the insistent voice through the speaker.

“Mr. Lloyd, I—” She shook her head, took a deep breath, and plunged in. “Travis Oakes didn’t kill your father. In fact, he tried to stop it from happening, but he was too late. I think I can under stand your bitterness and hatred for us, and your tremendous frustration at being imprisoned. But you are here. You are in detention, and whether I like it or not, or whether you like it or not, I have been given the assignment to help you so you can get out.” Her voice suddenly softened. “I can’t bring your father back, but I can help you now, if you’ll let me.”

“I suppose I ought to be deeply touched by your concern,” he said sarcastically, “but why do I feel this nagging doubt about your honesty?”

“I know you have no reason to believe me, but I promise that I’ll be totally honest with you. I’ll not lie to you, ever.” She stopped, waiting for a response, but he had put his hands under his head and closed his eyes, and he remained silent.

“I’d like you to believe that, but whether you do or not is quite irrelevant. The important thing is that we begin a program so you can be released and be with your family again.”

Still nothing. She glanced at the Major, who shrugged. “Do you have any further questions, Mr. Lloyd?”

His eyes opened slowly but he didn’t turn toward the mirror. “Yes,” he said finally.

“Okay, if I can answer it, I will.”

“Are you pretty?”

Nicole stared at him, too surprised to answer.

“Well?”

“I don’t see what my appearance has to do with anything,” she stammered.

“So much for total honesty, Miss Lambert.” The insolent challenge in his voice was unmistakable. “Or is it Mrs. Lambert?”

“No, it’s Miss, but I—”

The Major flicked the switch on his own mike and leaned over to speak into it, but Nicole gave him a quick shake of her head. He leaned back, watching her curiously.

“All right,” she said, watching the figure on the cot closely. “I don’t see why it matters, but—I’m five feet, three inches tall, of generally slender build. I have medium-length, brown hair, green eyes, and I’m twenty-four years old.”

“Quite normal looking then?”

Nicole smiled. “Quite. Why do you ask?” She again had the uneasy feeling that his gaze was piercing the mirror.

“You sound quite nice.”

“Why, thank you.” Nicole was baffled by the complete shift of mood.