Lethal Experiment

Lou said, “She knows most of what you’ve done for us. She’s got a general understanding about your work with Sal. She has specific knowledge about the contracts you fulfilled for Victor, and the thing with Tara.”

“Well, that’s all in the past,” I said.

“Is it?” Nadine said.

“According to you guys, I’ve just lost three years of my life. Three years I could’ve been with Kathleen and Addie. Three years I could’ve spent building my relationship with Kimberly. Yeah, I’m done. I’m done with all this bullshit. I’m going to get out of this nuthouse, marry Kathleen, and be a proper father to Addie.”

Dr. Crouch looked at Lou. “Should I leave?” she said.

Lou frowned. “I’m going all in. You definitely need to stay.”

“Lou?” I said. “What do you mean, ‘all in?’ Talk to me.”

Lou asked Nadine if she had a mirror in her purse. She produced a compact and gave it to him.

“Lou…” I said, warily.

“Donovan, you may want to brace yourself,” Lou said. He handed me Nadine’s compact. I looked at both of them carefully before opening it, but none of us said anything. I closed my eyes a second, shook my head.

“This sucks,” I said.

Lou nodded.

“I’m so very sorry,” Dr. Crouch said.

I opened the compact and looked into the mirror.

Chapter 42

They’d given me a new face.

Not a normal face, like I’d had before, but a Hollywood, movie star-type face.

Without the scar.

I closed the compact and handed it back to Nadine.

“I need a drink,” I said.

Lou hesitated. “That’s probably a bad idea.”

“Bottom left-hand drawer of my desk,” I said.

“I can ask the doctor, if you want,” Lou said.

“Next to the bourbon you’ll find four Glencairn glasses. Feel free to join me.”

“Twenty-year Pappy?”

“It was when I bought it.”

“I’ll join you,” he said.

We looked at Nadine.

“I’ll pass,” she said.

Lou called his assistant and placed the order.

While waiting, I touched my fingers to my face. Nadine handed me back the compact. I snuck up on the mirror this time, peering at myself from different angles. In every case it was like I was looking at someone else.

“Nice work,” I said. “But it’s too nice.”

“I know it’s quite a shock,” Nadine said, “But you’re gorgeous—not that I place a lot of value on a person’s exterior.”