“They’re called night-vision goggles, Theresa, and this isn’t the first time I’ve watched you through them.”

“What’s she talking about, Mom?”

“Ben, don’t—”

“Benjamin, I’m talking about the time I caught your mother and father sneaking out of your home on Sixth Street, after dark. That’s strictly forbidden, you know.”

“Don’t speak like that to my son—”

“Don’t speak like that to the woman who’s pointing a twelve gauge at you.”

For a moment, it was absolutely silent, Theresa trying to piece together the image—Pam sitting in front of their cell wearing night-vision goggles and aiming a shotgun at her and Ben in the dark.

“You’re pointing a weapon at my son?” Theresa tried to ask it coolly, but her voice quivered, betraying the rage and the fear metastasizing inside of her.

“I’m going to shoot him too.”

All the strength left her.

Theresa climbed onto her knees and tried to shield Ben with her body.

“Oh please,” Pam said. “All I have to do . . .” She moved. Her voice moved. “Is stand up and walk over to this side of the cell. Then I have a clear shot again.”

“Why are you doing this? You’re my shrink.”

“I was never your shrink.”

“What are you talking about?”

“It’s truly a shame, Theresa. I liked you. I enjoyed our sessions together. I want you to know that what’s getting ready to happen to you and your son isn’t personal. You just have the misfortune of being married to the man who destroyed this town.”

“Ethan didn’t destroy anything. He just told everyone the truth.”

“That wasn’t his place. The truth can be a dangerous thing for the weak-minded.”

“You knew, didn’t you?” Theresa asked. “All this time you knew.”

“What? The truth about Wayward Pines? Of course I knew. I helped build this town, Theresa. I was here from the beginning. Day one. This place is the only home I ever had, and your husband ruined it. He ruined everything.”

“Ethan didn’t open the gate. He didn’t turn off the fence and let all these monsters inside. Your boss did that.”

“My boss, David Pilcher, created this town. Every house. Every road. He handpicked each resident. Each team member. Without him, you’d have been dead for centuries. How dare you question the man who gave you this life.”

“Pam, please. My son isn’t responsible for any of this. You know that.”

“You don’t understand, honey. This isn’t about holding you and Ben responsible for Ethan’s actions. We’re way past that.”

“Then what is it you want?” Theresa could feel tears coming, panic descending.

Ben was already crying, shaking in her arms.