| World Domination Plan

Jack flashed a big, fake smile back up at Maski. 'If you're that curious, how about we stage a reconstruction?'

'Then you'll be needing me.' The door swung open and Marcy Dane walked in. Like Maski, she smiled down at him with a gloating expression, her skin taut over her cheekbones.

Jack felt a jolt of pure fear. Maybe he should try to bring on the change, try to escape. But he knew he was faced now by real adepts. They could change quicker than he could, and against the two of them, he knew he wouldn't stand a chance.

'Forgive my intrusion,' Marcy went on. 'Say, Jack, how about we take the reconstruction back a step further – where are your parents?'

Jack looked away. 'Where you'll never find them.'

'Are you sure? You know how persistent I can be.' She took hold of his bruised chin in her bony fingers and forced him to look at her. 'And where is my dear daughter?'