“First of all, PANDAS can exacerbate preexisting conditions,” Kendall goes on, so polished and smooth. Even Dr. Haddox seems unnerved by his ease. “Secondly, we have credible and specific intelligence that suggests this was merely a test run. Their intent could be to try again with a more effective agent or simply to unnerve the community by demonstrating their capacity to introduce an infection.”

Kendall is so persuasive, even to me, and I know better. Is it possible that any of this is true? That we are sick because someone made us sick on purpose? I feel someone staring at me then. When I glance over, it’s Kelsey. This is bullshit, that’s what she’s feeling. Total bullshit. And maybe I can’t read those exact words. But I don’t have to. Her emotions are completely clear.

Kelsey turns back to Kendall and raises her hand. “Excuse me, but if we’re not contagious and we’re not going to die, then we can go home, right?”

“I want to go home!” Becca cries out suddenly. That same switch has flipped as before when she had to leave the game. “I have to go. I can’t be in here. I feel claustrophobic.”

“Listen, this is a lot of information to take in at once,” Dr. Haddox says, stepping forward and raising his hands. He feels responsible for all our bad feelings. “You will all be fine. It’s important to remain calm.”

“But if this is an act of terrorism, we need to gather as much information as we possibly can from you,” Kendall says. “So we can find the people responsible.”

Now, that is definitely a lie. I had second-guessed myself, but this whole thing fits way too perfectly with Dr. Cornelia’s career in need of a rebuild. And I am the only person in this room who knows Kendall is lying about who he says he is. I have to say something. My instincts are shouting that loud and clear.

“Did you tell everybody’s parents about Dr. Cornelia and his book?” I ask. But I know too quietly. I am going to have to speak up. I am going to have to raise my voice.

“Sorry, did someone say something back there?” Dr. Haddox asks. “We couldn’t hear you.”

I take a deep breath and square my shoulders as I step forward.

“Did you tell the parents that the doctor in charge here has a book he is trying to sell about this exact scenario? Pretty big coincidence, right?” And my voice is loud and strong, vibrating in my chest. I keep my eyes on Dr. Haddox. I am not ready to face Kendall. “Also you can’t keep people locked up against their will because that’s better for your investigation.”