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We joined Beth once more in the inner office. Without mentioning Jennifer's abduction theory, we outlined Jennifer's offer. We also explained, to a degree, how the results of the tests on Beth's hair samples might be a big help in improving Beth's situation in relation to the FBI. Finally, we introduced the idea of Jennifer being able to work with Beth on the memory-lapse issue while we awaited the test results.

Beth seemed greatly relieved after hearing what we had to say. She probably spent quite a few anxiety-filled moments during our absence from the room wondering how our talk might affect her future.

After Beth accepted the proposal, Jennifer said: "You realize, of course, Beth, we can't go back to your place and pick up any of your things. That would sort of defeat the whole purpose of my brilliantly constructed strategy," she proclaimed in self-mockery.

"But, don't worry, we'll manage somehow," Jennifer affirmed, trying to ease whatever discomfort Beth might be feeling. "If we need to," Jennifer added, "we can buy a few things to tide you over."

A thought suddenly occurred to me. "Beth, when are you due back to work from your vacation?"

Beth appeared to be somewhat flustered and embarrassed with the question. She said: "Since I don't remember asking for vacation time, I don't really know.

"Vacation time, however, usually runs for a two week period," she stipulated. Beth appeared to be making a few quick mental calculations, and, then indicated: "If the normal procedures are in effect in my case, there are still a few more days of vacation left, before I have to report back."

I nodded my head in acknowledgment. I smiled in a rather mischievous way and asked: "So, Beth, what are you going to tell your co-workers when they ask you about what you did on your summer vacation?"

Beth was very casual in her response. "Right now, I don't have a clue, David, what I'll say to them. But, I've got a couple days to think something up, don't I?" she said in a rhetorical fashion.

The time had come for me to go. I tried to provide Beth with some additional support before leaving. I also made arrangements with Jennifer for keeping in touch over the next several days. In addition, I thanked Jennifer for all her help and kindness, especially in view of the difficult nature of the circumstances into which I, to some extent, had dragged her.

I opened the door that led to the outer office and was about half-way to the exit from the offices, when Jennifer stopped me: "Dr. Phelps, wait! Let me make sure no one is outside the office door."

She proceeded to open the door enough to allow her to stick her head out and check about for anyone who might be in the vicinity. She gave me the all-clear sign.

She opened the door for me, and as I walked by her, I whispered: "Now that we are both paranoid co-conspirators, do you think we could be on a first name basis?"

"Sure," she whispered back, with a grin.

I gave them both a last wave good-by. Jennifer nodded and closed the door behind me.

On Wednesday night, I called Jennifer and Beth in accordance with our pre-arranged plan. The news was good.

Traces of the drug, ketamine, along with a few other neuro-pharmacological agents, had been found in the samples of Beth's hair. Therefore, the test results were consistent with, although not necessarily proof of, Jennifer's version of Beth's abduction experience.

Moreover, even if Jennifer's abduction thesis were proven to be true, there still were a lot of unanswered questions and issues floating about. We agreed to meet in Jennifer's office at 10 a.m. on the following day.

On Thursday morning, I made my way to the off-campus building where Jennifer and I had offices. Once in the building, I went on a rather circuitous journey en route to Jennifer's office to make sure no one would know- assuming anyone cared, where I was going within the building.

I knocked on the door, waited a couple of seconds, and soon the door was opened by Jennifer. We exchanged greetings and then joined Beth in the inner office.

After we were all settled, Jennifer was the first to speak: "Beth and I have been talking about the situation, David, and Beth feels she is ready to go and talk with the FBI. She believes, as I do, that, if necessary, the test-results plus our supporting testimonies should be enough to keep the FBI at bay.

"In addition," Jennifer said, "without mentioning names or specifics, I've taken the liberty of running some of the general features of our situation past a lawyer friend of mine. She seems fairly confident there should not be major legal problems for somebody in Beth's situation, providing, naturally, that there is no hard evidence tying Beth to the escape.

"Furthermore, my friend has agreed to go with Beth to the FBI for the interview in order to ensure that Beth's legal rights are being honored. And, David, you will be happy to know that my friend has agreed to do all of this on a pro bono basis."

I looked at Beth. "Is this what you want?"

"I think its best, David," she acknowledged. "I feel good about the support I have with you, Jennifer, her lawyer friend, and the test results."

She shook her head slightly. "I can't avoid the FBI forever. My prospects, now, David, are about as good as they are going to be under the circumstances. I have faith everything will be sorted out in a positive fashion."

"If you're satisfied, I'm satisfied," I intimated, "and," I requested: "please keep me posted on any, and all, developments."

I smiled and said: "You know, Beth, we haven't even had a chance to sit down and discuss my visit with Brian. He and I had a long discussion, but, the long and short of it all is, I'm afraid, that the visit was of more help to me than it was to him."

Beth chided me: "David, did you ever stop to think that your visit may have provided motivational inspiration for my brother?" She paused, and, then, completed her thought. "Brian may have been so concerned with your paying him another visit that he decided to escape from prison."

We all laughed.

Something from the visit with Brian popped into my awareness. "Beth, have you ever heard of a group called the Botclofots?" I inquired.

"Brian mentioned them," I elaborated. "He said that if I were able to make contact with them, they might be able to show me how I could help him.

"Brian was very mysterious about the whole thing. He said he was leaving the whole issue of contacting the Botclofots as an exercise or task for me."

"Sounds like Brian," Beth said. Then, she shook her head in a sort of apologetic manner, saying: "I don't recall hearing him speak about such a group, and I don't believe I've heard it used in any other context either."

I turned to Jennifer. Before I could say anything, she gave me a look which said: 'Sorry, no help here'.

Jennifer checked her watch. "Beth, Ellen Hudson will be waiting for you at the address I gave you. You both can go to the FBI office from there."

Beth and Jennifer rose from their seats. Not wanting to be the odd man out, I stood up as well.

Jennifer opened her purse, took out some money and handed it to Beth. "You'll need this for taxi fare."

When Beth protested, Jennifer said: "We can settle accounts later. You'll undoubtedly be gratified to know I've hired an accountant just to keep track of your debt to me."

Beth relented and accepted the money. She thanked Jennifer, not just for the money but for everything Jennifer had done for her during the last several days.

Giving me a hug, Beth thanked me too. She smiled at both of us and went out the door of the outer office in search of her lawyer, Ellen Hudson.

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