“I am a doctor. I know there is no medical explanation for what you are doing to me. No one can control someone else’s movements. Unlock that door and let me go.”

“Steven, unlock the door,” William said, holding up his hands. “Please believe me that I am in no way trying to do this. I’m trying to understand it as well. Are you saying that you’re compelled to … follow my directions?”

“I didn’t want to follow you here. I tried to drive away and I was physically unable to do so. I didn’t want to come in this house, but my body isn’t listening. And I am on the verge of screaming for help.”

Lily slowly approached her. “I got scared too when it started happening to me.”

“What are you talking about?” William asked.

Lily looked from him back to Jane. “I don’t think he means to do it.”

“Lily.” William kneeled down before her, his eyebrows raised. “Are you saying you’ve been forced to follow me?”

“I want to go with you. But … I can’t say no, either. It’s like … I don’t want to hurt people. But when you’re in trouble … I have to do it.”

“Hurt people?” Jane demanded. “I don’t know what’s going on, but you need to let me, and this little girl, go. Right now.”

“Don’t be afraid of him. He’s not doing it, it is,” Lily said. “The monster in the mountain is.”

“Seriously, stop this right now—”

“I would if I could,” William said. “I don’t want to be doing any of this. I just know what happened to Lily and me … happened to you.”

“What are you talking about?”

“Jane … do you remember if you went missing … about a year ago?” William asked.

Jane flinched. “I didn’t go missing…”

“But something happened. A period of time you don’t remember. Am I right?”

She swallowed. “Did you have something to do with that?”

“No.” He shook his head. “But I know what happened.”

Jane whirled to Steven. “Are you one of those people who kidnapped him? Is that what this is? Did you also do something to me?”

“Young lady, I haven’t ever laid eyes on you before just now. And I am so sorry that you’re caught up in this. We will explain everything to you.” He motioned with his chin towards William. “Listen to him. Even if he doesn’t direct you to do so, you should probably sit down.”