InSight

therapy with his experimental drug. A drug based on an illegal composition. The same drug you used on Stewart.”
    A wave of heat surged through Carlotta’s body. Someone spilled her secrets, but they wouldn’t beat her. Serranos don’t grovel. They attack . “I assure you if there were an experimental drug that would alleviate my son’s symptoms, I wouldn’t hesitate to use it. However, that isn’t the case. As far as a drug based on an illegal substance, that’s absurd. I don’t know where you’re getting your ideas, but making public an accusation like that against me, a woman who’s been honored for contributing so much to the mental health industry, would destroy your reputation more than mine.
    “You have nothing.” She spoke with the same tone she reserved for those beneath her, which was everyone. But Abby and her mother held the two places at the top of her list. “There is no secret lab. Stewart’s illness can be traced to family genes. His case is famous, a psychotic murderer, or don’t you remember?”
    “Oh, I remember every minute of that time, especially the last day of Macy’s life. You remember that, don’t you, Mrs. Gentry?”
    “A tragic affair. Macy was my grandchild. Her death horrified me.” She wiped an imaginary tear off her cheek. She knew the action was lost on Abby, but her aberrant bodyguard would no doubt fill her in later. “And you, my dear, how you and Stewart survived is a miracle.”
    “Yes, a miracle. I don’t see it that way. Not at all. I bet you were disappointed. It must have seemed the perfect solution. With me dead, you wouldn’t have to worry if Dr. Scanlon’s mind control didn’t work, or that maybe one day I’d remember what Stewart told me. What did you do? Have your Svengali program Stewart to kill me and then himself? But you didn’t count on his killing his daughter, did you?”
    “That’s outrageous,” she said, sucking air between her teeth. “I know you never liked me, but to think I’d plot the murder of my family is carrying it too far. You sound as crazy as my poor son. No one would believe that accusation.”
    “Maybe you’re right, after all. The authorities will listen to this tape and hear the ravings of a hopeless psychotic, but I’ll give it a try anyway. What’s the worst that can happen?
    “Oh, and if you have any ideas of harming either me or Mr. Conti, a police friend knows we’re here.”
    Fury cut into her composure. Damn, the blind bitch is blackmailing me. And so confidently. Me, Carlotta Gentry. Inhale, Carlotta. Deep breaths.
    “I’m appalled. You’d threaten to release that tape, knowing it’s not true, because you think I know where your detective is? Why, you’re blackmailing me.” She forced a droll laugh. “How dare you. How much do you want, Abigael? I’d like to know so I can tell the authorities when you make these ridiculous assertions. I’m sure they’ll take your state of mind into consideration when the sordid details come out. Poor blind woman, shacked up with a deaf has-been cop, besieged by her schizophrenic ex-husband, and unable to overcome the tragic death of her daughter. You’ll have their sympathy, but you’ll be seen as someone who couldn’t absorb the enormous strain.”
    Abby smiled. “I’m a respected psychologist, Mrs. Gentry. I doubt the authorities will write me off too quickly when I explain Dr. Scanlon’s methods, do you? Even if they don’t believe me, my assertions will cast doubt on your work and his. He’ll be ruined and so will you and your foundation. I think the FDA will be interested in giving Synthetec a second look. Knowing now what we’re dealing with, and with proper medication, Stewart might even reach a point of remembering what happened. Are you willing to take the chance?”
    Carlotta felt the blood rush to her face. She yearned to spew invectives at this nonentity. No one talked to her like that. Not even her husband, damn his sorry hide.
    “Go ahead. Be my guest.” She rose from her chair, balancing herself on shaky legs. “I’ll have Cyril show you out.”
    Abby got up. Conti put her hand on his arm to lead her from the room.
    “You’ve misjudged me, Abigael. I wish you nothing but the best.”
    “Of course,” Abby said, walking alongside her guide.
    Carlotta watched the two people walk away. Damn . “ Abigael, wait.”
    Abby stopped first, then turned and faced her, the recorder raised in her hand.
    “How do I know that’s the