Page 52 of When She Dreams

“Emerson Oxlade?”

“Good guess. He was on the other side of the room, staring at you. He left when he saw me looking at him.”

She shivered. “Such a creepy man. Straight out of a horror film.”

“But you said he takes a genuine scientific approach to the study of dreams.”

“Yes, I’m sure of it.”

“Yet he’s hooked up with a couple of cons like the Guilfoyles.”

“Serious researchers need money like everyone else,” she pointed out. “And publicity. The Guilfoyles can provide both.”

“Which brings us back to Phyllis Gaines’s observation last night. She was right. Where there’s a great deal of money, there is always someone who will do whatever it takes to get it.”

Maggie shivered and quickly lowered her cup. “I’m getting that feeling again. Who is watching me this time?”

“Dolores Guilfoyle,” Sam said.

He got to his feet just as Dolores materialized at the table.

“I’m so sorry to interrupt your conversation,” Dolores said. “Please sit down, Mr. Sage. I won’t be long. Very busy day.”

Sam took his seat. Dolores turned to Maggie.

“Arthur and I are very grateful for your advice on dealing with theunpleasant situation this morning, Miss Lodge,” she said. “As a way of expressing our appreciation, Arthur would like to invite you to observe an exclusive dream-reading demonstration tomorrow evening.”

“Exclusive?” Maggie said. “You mean it’s not part of the regular program?”

“No, this event will be presented to only a few very special guests. It will take place in the old séance room here at the Institute.”

“The theater where Miss Nevins died?” Maggie asked.

“Yes,” Dolores said. “My husband responds to the aura in that room.”

“He believes in ghosts and spirits?” Sam asked.

“No, of course not,” Dolores said, irritated. “It’s simply that Arthur finds the atmosphere in the theater conducive to allowing him to enter the trance state. It was remodeled for the purpose of presenting private demonstrations and small-group dream experiences.”

“You said only a few guests would be invited?” Sam asked.

“Just those who have shown a keen interest in discovering the secrets of the Guilfoyle Method,” Dolores said. She spoke without looking at Sam.

“How many other guests?” Sam continued, undaunted by the fact that he was being given a very cold shoulder.

“Twelve in all, if you must know,” Dolores said, her tone sharpening. “Our guest of honor, Dr. Oxlade, will serve as guide and dream interpreter for the audience.”

“Arthur Guilfoyle needs an interpreter?” Sam asked a little too politely.

Maggie decided to step in before the situation could deteriorate further.

“It all sounds absolutely fascinating,” she said quickly. “Mr. Sage and I would be pleased to observe one of Mr. Guilfoyle’s readings.”

Dolores blinked a couple of times, glanced at Sam, and then turned back to Maggie. “I’m afraid it won’t be possible for your assistant to accompany you, Miss Lodge. This will be a very exclusive reading.”

Sam’s eyes tightened at the corners. Maggie knew he was preparing to interrupt again. She shot him a warning look and then smiled at Dolores.

“I understand,” she said. “Thank you so much for this amazing opportunity. I shall look forward to the event tomorrow night.”

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