Page 50 of When She Dreams

Fury blazed in Dolores’s eyes. “I can assure you no one affiliated with the Institute hired anyone to impersonate Cornelia for marketing purposes or for any other reason. That’s not how we do things here.” She paused, eyes widening. “When word gets out that the Institute was taken in by a charlatan, we will become a laughingstock.”

Maggie summoned up a reassuring smile. “I assure you, Mr. Sage and I have no reason to gossip about Phyllis Gaines.”

That much was true, she thought.

“Thank you.” Dolores sighed. “I would take it as an enormous favor if you would not mention your conversation with Gaines, but I’m afraid it will be impossible to keep this news out of the papers. People are bound to notice that Aunt Cornelia has suddenly disappeared. Therewill be questions. Rumors. If a reporter gets curious, we will be doomed.”

“Would you like some advice?” Maggie asked.

Dolores hesitated, wary but curious. “What is it?”

“I agree with you,” Maggie said. “The news of the imposter is bound to get out sooner or later. But if the Institute moved fast and took credit for unmasking the fake Cornelia, it might actually enhance the reputation of the Guilfoyle Method.”

Dolores appeared to have been struck by electricity for the second time. An instant later, excitement lit her eyes.

“That is a brilliant idea, Miss Lodge,” she said. “I should have thought of it myself. If Arthur announces in his opening lecture that during the night he experienced a lucid dream that allowed him to detect the deception, we can take control of this situation. He will be able to offer proof of the effectiveness of the Method. Excuse me. I must speak to him immediately. He is scheduled to go onstage in a few minutes.”

She started to turn away.

“One more thing,” Sam said. “Ever heard of the Traveler? He’s supposed to be a sort of dream assassin.”

Dolores stopped suddenly and turned back to stare at him. “I don’t understand. Who told you about that old legend?”

“Someone mentioned it recently,” Sam said. “I was just curious. Part of my job as Miss Lodge’s assistant is to note interesting tales that circulate in the world of lucid dreamers.”

“Forget the Traveler,” Dolores said. “It’s just a silly myth that has been floating around the dream research community for years. I don’t have time to go into the details now—I must speak to Arthur before he goes onstage.”

Sam watched thoughtfully as Dolores vanished around the corner. “I got the impression she’s a little more concerned about the legend of the Traveler than she let on.”

“She certainly recognized the story,” Maggie said. “But anyonewho is as familiar with dream theories and analysis as she is would have heard about the Traveler.”

“She wasn’t just familiar with the legend; she was worried about it,” Sam said. “Trust me.”

“I hired you for your professional intuition,” Maggie said. “I’ll take your word for it.”

“My professional intuition got me fired from my last job.”

“Obviously you were working for the wrong employer.”

They walked out of the alcove, heading for the doors of the lecture hall. Sam’s mouth kicked up at the corner.

“You know, that was a very sharp suggestion you gave Dolores Guilfoyle,” he said. “If her husband takes your advice and pretends he uncovered Phyllis Gaines’s deception in a lucid dream, the Institute might end up with some great publicity.”

“I didn’t offer the advice to help the Guilfoyles polish the image of the Institute. I’m hoping my version gets into the newspapers because it will ensure that everyone knows the redhead seen partying at a nightclub in Burning Cove was not the real Aunt Cornelia.”

“Got it,” Sam said. “You’re trying to protect your employer’s reputation. Smart move.”

“Thanks, but it will only work if the Guilfoyles take my advice.”

“Five will get you ten Dolores Guilfoyle convinces her husband to go along with the plan.”

“No bet,” Maggie said. “Speaking of Dolores Guilfoyle...”

“What?” Sam asked.

“I think she’s the jealous type.”

“Who isn’t?”

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