I squint my eyes. Is this really him? Or am I just seeing what I want to see?

But I don’t see the resemblance. I feel it. It’s a punch in the gut. It’s a pull—a fishhook that’s got me by the cheek and is luring me in with every step. That tug is deep in my belly, in my soul. The man’s eyes are artificially serene, and—most importantly—show no hint of recognition back. But I have to find out if my gut instinct is right.

Another part of me senses Tobias walking toward me, cautiously approaching, as if I’m some sort of wild animal.

I might go mad if he tries to stop me—lash out with my claws and hiss with my teeth and slash at him until he turns around and leaves me. I think he understands, and that’s why he keeps his distance for now.

“Jinx, do something!” I hear Tobias say.

>>Lacey, we have to get Monica out of here. Then we can help your mom and your dad.

I know what Jinx is saying makes sense, but for once, I can’t listen to him. This is something I have to find out for myself. If I don’t ask now, if I let myself be torn away, I’ll always wonder.

“Excuse me, sir?” I say, finding my voice at last.

He looks at me and smiles. When he does, that fishhook tugs even tighter; I almost jump forward with the force of it. But the smile is accompanied with totally blank eyes. “Yes?”

“What’s your name?” It comes out as barely a whisper, but it’s enough for him to hear.

He sticks his hand out to me, totally unaware of the turmoil roiling through my body at that very moment. “My name is Albert Chu.” He gestures to the sloth around his neck. “This is my baku, Lacey.”

Now I react. Tears spring up into my eyes. “Your baku’s name is Lacey?” I whisper.

“Yes. Isn’t it a nice name?”

“That’s my name. Dad? Dad. It’s me.”

Do I detect something? A flicker of confusion or recognition or maybe even a flash of anger out of the person who’s trapped underneath? A million questions are running through my mind. Has he been here this whole time? Is he under the influence of the update? But how can that be possible? How long has this been going on?

And did he volunteer for this program, knowing he would forget about Mom and me?

Can we reverse it?

“Oh, you must have confused me with someone else. How nice that you share a name with my baku! That’s a great coincidence.”

My mind is racing so fast, I jump when Tobias touches my arm.

“Lacey, I know you think this is your dad…”

“It is my dad.”