The once vibrant Sky Garden vanished without a trace.
Joelson was isolated in his own sickroom within the Walter Reed Medical Center, not sent to a prison, not subjected to torture, nor transferred to a CIA-own hospital.
Twelve days had passed, his inflamed wounds had healed, the stitches removed, and he could move about out of bed, but still, the only person he could see was his doctor.
He was very anxious.
Joelson had prepared himself for interrogation, fortifying his mind daily, ready to face the use of truth serum.
The truth serum used in the United States wasn't as overbearing; one could return to normal after its effects wore off, unlike the Russians, whose harsh truth serum turned people into idiots after use.
So, as long as he could withstand the truth serum, he should be clear of any trouble.
Joelson was grateful that Gao Yi hadn't told him anything.