mother apparently cried out, and turned to run. One of the guards reacted badly

if instinctively. He struck her with his gun. And she died. Again, there was

nothing I could do. I wasn’t even there.” “So you already said.” “Of course I

would have liked things to have been handled differently, but back then we

required absolute secrecy. It seemed the only way. The burial was a proper one,”

she added offhandedly.

 

Puller snapped his briefcase closed and stood, slipping his cap under his arm.

“You said you knew my father?” “Yes.” “Did you know my mother?” Jericho’s

eyelids fluttered. “I might have seen her around the installation from time to

time.” “She was beautiful. And more kind than she was beautiful.

 

Everyone loved her.” “I’m sure every son sees his mother in that light.” “No

they don’t. So you knew it was her, then? Walking by?” “As I said, I wasn’t

there.” “Rogers says he didn’t see my mother, but that you were there.” She

chortled. “Oh, well, then by all means, put him on the witness stand. How many

people has he murdered thus far?” Puller continued as though he hadn’t heard

her. “So your prized creation escapes and is methodically killing women on your

staff because he can’t get to you.” “Is that what he told you?” she interrupted.

 

Puller ignored this. “Because he can’t get to you,” he repeated. “And then he’s

located right near Building Q killing another woman, and you’re not there?” She

spread her hands. “I was busy.” “But you knew after the fact at the very least.”

“I think I already answered that question. But so what if I did?” “I wonder if

it pleased you.” She looked at him curiously. “How so?” “Getting back at my