Page 128 of Creeping Beautiful

It’s fine, McKay. I need to know this stuff. It’s time. I can’t go on like this. And I know why Adam isn’t here.

Why do you think he’s not here, Indie?

Because he’s afraid of me.

Is that the only reason?

You guys—

McKay! Shut up! … Go on, Indie. Are there any other reasons why Adam would not want to see you right now?

I mean… I’m sure he’s maybe… upset with me.

Why would he be upset?

Because I disappointed him.

Can you think of any specifics? What exactly did you do that disappointed him?

I dunno. But he’s like that. He’s not like you, McKay. You never walk out. Adam does. And so do you, Donovan.

OK, we’re getting off track here. So let’s focus on the main reason we’re doing this. I’m going to hypnotize you now, Indie. And then I’m gonna ask careful questions. If at any time I feel like you should not continue, I will pull you out of it. I will take care of you, do you understand?

And I’m here too.

McKay, if I have to tell you one more time—

I’m just saying. She knows I won’t let anything harm her. No matter what she finds inside her head.

Fine. Do you understand, Indie?

Yes. I do. And thank you, McKay.

You’re welcome, Indie.

OK, try to relax now. Let your whole body go heavy… let your mind become dark and blank. Take deep breaths with me. In and out. Slowly. Yes. And I’m going to count backwards from ten.

….

Ten. You are in the swamp, Indie. You are ten years old. Muddy, and tired, and hungry. But you’re happy because Nathan St. James is cooking you fish on the beach.

…

Nine. You are eleven years old, Indie. You are out in the back learning to defend yourself with McKay. He is hard on you, but you don’t mind. Because he’s gonna make sure you’re a tough little girl who can handle herself.

…

Eight. You are twelve and on a job with Adam. Something goes wrong. But that’s OK. Because Adam is there to protect you. You come home and you are just fine.

…

Seven. You are thirteen and you’re getting better at this. You can fight now. And every once in a while, you can pull one over on McKay and take him down.

….

Six. You are fourteen and you just got home from a very dangerous job. You could’ve died if you made a wrong move. But you didn’t make a wrong move. You did everything right.

…