Samantha’s mind went blank. She retracted her hand abruptly and hid it behind her, saying, “I… I thought you were…”

After a pause, she refrained from continuing her sentence and saying ‘a bad guy’. Instead, she changed her sentences and said, “Sorry, I didn’t see you clearly.”

Timothy could discern that all of her earlier movements were a conditioned reflex. It was the same with the special needles she used to protect herself.

The ache in his heart intensified even ...