"Yes."
And would be forever, if the general's tone was anything to go by. "How were people like Emma selected for these projects?"
"They volunteered. We had criteria, of course."
"Was one of those criteria to have no family outside of Hopeworth?"
The general began to tap the table lightly. It was the first sign of annoyance she'd seen in him. His stern features were as impassive as ever.
"People join Hopeworth with the knowledge that, once accepted, it becomes your life. Only with retirement can you walk away. The 'no family' policy is more a general policy for Hopeworth itself than one related to the projects."
From what they'd learned, even retirement was no guarantee of escape. "Did Emma Pierce have a sister?"
"No. Her family was killed in an auto accident when she was a child." He hesitated, staring at her bluntly. "As you surely know."
"We do. Only Allars swears Emma had a sister. Claimed to have met her once."
"Impossible." But his quick frown told of his uncertainty.
"Why was Emma chosen for the project?"
"As I said, she volunteered."
"Yeah, but surely all volunteers are not automatically selected."
His quick grin conjured more images of crocodiles. "No. Emma Pierce had the right qualities."
"Those being?"
The tempo of his finger tapping increased. "Her father was a shifter. Her mother, a changer. Emma herself could do both."
She stared at him, uncertain at first whether she'd heard right. "What do you mean, she could do both? I thought you had to be one or the other?"
"Hybrids are very rare — I think the figure is something like a one in a million chance."
"Did Generation Eighteen defy the odds?"
"We were more successful than the quoted figure, yes."
So the military had hybrids at their disposal. Her gaze went to King. Hybrids with psychic abilities. "Why wasn't Emma listed as a hybrid?"
The general's smile was disdainful. "Because those who do the testing do not know what to look for. Generally, the hybrid is stronger in one area. Emma was listed as a changer simply because that was her strongest ability."
Which meant, more than likely, that Emma's sister had also escaped the net. They had a definite suspect. Now all they had to do was find her — and stop her.
"Is it possible for one of your hybrids to have escaped and be killing her less successful brothers and sisters?"
"No. As I'm sure you're aware, everyone at Hopeworth is tagged. All movements are monitored. Even mine."
She nodded. "The question had to be asked."
"I'm sure it did." He leaned back in his chair, regarding her through slightly narrowed eyes. "You have very unusual eyes, young lady."
The tension level jumped several degrees, though why she wasn't entirely sure. She took a long drink of water and nodded. "A few people have commented on that."
"Inherited from your mother or father?"
"I was placed into state care as a teenager. I have no memory of my parents." Her smile was grim. "As I'm sure you already know, general."