No Escape by Mary Burton

an odd, but not impossible, concept. Though men like Smith had little regard for their victims, they sometimes had special people in their lives. ‘You loved Robbie.’
    ‘He was a good son. Smart. Devoted.’
    ‘Was he happy with you?’
    ‘Yes. I saved him from a desperate future.’
    ‘What was the falling-out you two had?’
    ‘That’s not for me to discuss.’
    ‘We could find Robbie. Give him a message.’
    Smith smiled. ‘You’d never find him, and he’d never believe you. Actions, not words, matter, Dr. Granger.’
    ‘Why tell me about him?’
    ‘It’s the only way I can really reach him.’ He closed his eyes, and for a moment she thought he might have fallen asleep.
    ‘What does that mean?’
    Instead of answering her question, he said, ‘Thank you for coming today, Dr. Granger. But I am tired.’ Smith lifted his hand as a signal to the guard that he was ready to leave.
    Jo gripped the phone, knowing a window was closing forever. ‘Tell me more about Robbie.’
    As if she hadn’t spoken, he smiled. ‘I do appreciate your coming, Dr. Granger. I truly do. But the day grows late and you must understand that I have little energy to draw upon.’
    She leaned closer to the window, resisting the urge to touch the glass. ‘There must be more about Robbie.’
    ‘I’ve given you all that I have.’ Gingerly, he leaned back in his wheelchair, wincing. ‘It’s been nice meeting you, Dr. Granger. And I’m glad you are doing well.’
    She rose, still gripping the phone. ‘Why me, Mr. Smith? It makes no sense that you’d single me out for this interview.’
    He stilled as if he wouldn’t answer but then said, ‘You are a smart woman. If you look deep inside yourself, you’ll unravel the puzzle.’
    ‘What puzzle?’ Frustrated by the subterfuge, her anger sparked. ‘That doesn’t make any sense.’
    ‘Once you figure yourself out you’ll find Robbie.’ He hung up his phone.
    Jo pressed her phone to her ear as if willing him to return. But without a backward glance he left the interview room.
    For several seconds, Jo stood there, not sure what had happened. She hung up the phone and carefully brushed the creases from her skirt, as if somehow the action would also diminish her deep sense of unease.
    ‘He likes rattling people.’ Brody stepped toward her, stopping behind her. ‘Don’t let him get to you.’
    She faced him. ‘I’ve interviewed my share of bad men. I can handle Smith.’
    ‘Really? How many bad guys have asked you to look deep inside yourself for the answers?’
    None. Smith’s question could have been a cheap manipulative trick, but it still troubled her for reasons she couldn’t explain. What did he see? Feigning calm, she said, ‘You’d be surprised what my interviewees have asked me. I can promise you they can be graphic.’
    Brody frowned.
    ‘Shouldn’t you call someone about the information Smith gave us? Some of it could be genuine.’
    He opened the door to the interview room and waited until she passed. ‘Making a phone call is next on my list, Dr. Granger.’
    She stared down the gray hallway, suddenly anxious to be out of this suffocating place. Smith had tapped into a deep worry she’d harbored for years. ‘Of course, sure.’
    His head tilted. ‘You sure you’re okay?’
    She offered him a cool, polite smile. ‘Why wouldn’t I be?’
    If he’d not been watching her closely, he’d have missed the subtle stiffening of her spine and the flash of green in her eyes that Smith had called her Tell. Smith had gotten inside her head.
    Brody was annoyed that she guarded her thoughts as closely with him as she had with Smith. When they’d been together fourteen years ago, she’d been open. She’d liked to talk to him and to joke. During one tutoring session, he’d teased her about talking so much. She’d blushed, tucked a stray curl behind her ear and laughed. He’d liked her openness, and he’d liked listening to her talk.
    Now her demeanor was pure