Page 48 of The Forbidden Center

Gabi says nothing.

“Did she ask you to help with the braid?”

“Yes.”

Tova erases something hard enough to shake the table.

The edge of the counter has pressed a line into my palm. I take my hand off it.

“If she asks again, help her.”

Gabi nods.

Then she leans closer. “He asked me for your number.”

“I know.”

“Did he use it?”

“You know he did.”

“Do you answer?”

“Sometimes.”

“You answered Monday night. He told me on Tuesday, and he was working real hard not to look pleased about it.”

The counter is cold under my hand.

“Do you want him to stop?”

I look at her.

“He is my patient.”

Gabi’s mouth curves. “That’s not a no, Astrid.”

Before I can answer, Tova pushes the phone toward me.

“There’s a video. You have to watch the whole thing.”

I take the phone.

My own vibrates in my pocket. Maren. Thursday. Room assigned, access arranged at the Stampede facility.

“Mamma, you missed it.”

I put my phone away.

“Again.”

Tova restarts the video and places the third section of hair between my fingers.

Thursday waits in my pocket.

I check on Tova because that is what I do when I require a reason to stand up. She has one arm out of the blanket and her notebook face down on the floor. I put it on the desk and pull the door almost closed.

Then I go into my own room and undress with the light off.