Chapters 13-15 Summary

Em awakes in Chapter 13 in the Stark medical center, where Dr. Higgins is giving her a checkup. The doctor not only discusses "Nikki's" physical condition with Em, but also lectures her on contacting her old family and friends so much, confirming Em's earlier beliefs that she has been being bugged. She asks about Nikki's mother, Mrs. Howard, only to have the doctor tell her that Mrs. Howard was always an unstable mother, a drug addict who drank, a very bad mother, and Em realizes that the doctor will be no help with the search. The doctor's words, however, do cast some doubt on Em's earlier belief in Steven. As Em leaves the hospital, Gabriel is there waiting to take her to dinner. In the car, he confesses that it is all a press stunt set up by their agents; nevertheless, the...