Chapter 52

“And?”

“And what?”

“How many? Who were they? What became of them?”

“I was only acquainted personally with two. Others claimed to have known several. It’s doubtful there are many. The two I knew came from different corners of the world. One lived…somewhat. The other did not survive when we tried to take it out of him. One came out of his unanimated state. One lingered, asleep. God, I do hope asleep. If his brain was still alive but his body was stilled, if he could think but not communicate in any way whatsoever, that would be the worst torture imaginable.” Vaughn turned and met Frank’s stare head on. “Count your blessings.”

Frank could not bear to hold the gaze long. “Ivan…? Which was he?”

“Either way, both eventually perished and I vowed never again to try.”