After I had found out as much as Katie knew about the 'Animorphs,' I realized she was right. If there was any hope of my escaping safely, it lay with Cassie. She would be the most likely to understand.

After three hours, a new guard came. It was not Cassie. Another three hours, another new guard. Not Cassie. This continued happening until it should have been Cassie's turn, since she was the only one who had not yet stood guard. But it was not Cassie. It was Rachel again.

"Where's Cassie?" I asked.

"My, aren't you perceptive," Rachel said. "Why do you want Cassie? So you can try to convince her that you aren't a Controller and we need to let you go? I don't think so."

I said nothing, realizing my mistake.

"Oh yes. Almost forgot to answer your question, didn't I? Well, Cassie went to a vet seminar thing with her parents. Now if you'll excuse me, I have homework."

No, Katie said suddenly. She's lying. Cassie's parents wouldn't let her skip school. It's evening. Maybe she had to baby-sit or something. She definitely seems like a babysitting sort of girl. Just wait. I'm sure she'll be here sometime.

I hope you're right, I said.

I hope so too.