He looked at Malena. “Do not listen to him. He has lost his mind.” Tam pointed to his head. “I haven’t lost my mind,” he hissed. “There is a hole in it. They put it there while I was on Cael.” The others shared a knowing look. Malena’s face fell, and tears welled in her eyes. Tam leaned forward to grasp her hand. “I’m not mad, and I’m not lying. When we escape, I will take you there.” Her smile did not reach her eyes. “Thank you,” she said, as she patted his hand. “That is kind.” By her patronizing tone, Tam knew she did not believe him.
