Page 53 of The Devil of Hollywood

Slowly, Marian’s head rose. A broken-up sob left her. “The Unavowed says you killed my mother. Was it you?”

Elec’s back straightened as he sat taller on the bed. “It was.”

“Did you take pleasure in it?”

There was a pause as Elec glanced at me. “I did. She was dangerous. She hurt a lot of people.”

Marian took a shuddering breath, but a sob rolled right over it.

“She did.”

“She hurt you.”

An agonizing cry became muted as Marian turned back to the bed and shook from the new round of tears.

More, Elec scooted closer.

“I can help ease the pain. I can calm your emotions. I don’t even have to touch you. Just… look into my eyes and let me help.”

The cries died out, and she went still. Marian slowly turned, her bottom lip trembling as she painfully sat to study Elec’s face.

“What did you say?”

“I’m a doctor, Marian, remember? I’ve studied⁠—”

“Your eyes… my mother, her tricks… Can you make me forget?” Her voice was breathless, but she was scooting closer to Elec in a desperate crawl. Her eyes were so wide. So round through the plea. “You can… make me forget. You can…” Faster her eyes went back and forth between his. “I want to forget. I want—” A new sob. “You… can’t.”

“Shh. I can.”

“No.”

“Look deeply into my eyes, Marian. Listen to my voice. Did your mother have you do this too?”

He snapped next to her right ear, speaking almost monotone. The pitch wasn’t… normal. It had me shifting as I looked between them confused on what was happening.

“Yes.”

“Then, this should be simple. The rules are already ingrained. I’m going to ask you some questions.”

A double snap. One more.

“Is your name Marian LaRoe?”

“Yes.”

“Keep looking deeply into my eyes. Your body is relaxing. You can feel it in your shoulders, moving its way down your back. Let your tongue drop from the roof of your mouth.” Snap. Snap-Snap. “Are you twenty-nine years old?”

“Yes.”

“Perfect. Have you lived in London the last few years.”

“Yes.”

Snap.

“You’re getting a little sleepy, but that’s relaxation. You won’t fall asleep. That’s trust. You’re trusting me. You’re letting your guard down because you know I’ll protect you. I will, Marian. I won’t let anyone hurt you. You’ve experienced severe trauma being at The Order.”

“Y-Yes.” The sob was barely contained.