Harley had been working at Claremont for two weeks on her research team and it was so far, so good, it seemed. She had avoided The Surgeon and Martin hadn't contacted Malcolm about Harley yet. Was it possible that he didn't realize who she was or that she was dating Malcolm? He found the chances of that to be slim to none. His father had a way of finding out things. He must not, surprisingly, realize that Harley is working there.

Their sleeping arrangement is going well too. Malcolm has had a few nightmares, but nothing that Harley hasn't been able to handle yet. The restraints help to keep him from getting up out of the bed and going for a weapon. They always make sure that he's locked in before they go to sleep.

That night, they're cuddled together as usual when Malcolm slips into a dream. He's at Claremont, walking down the long hall that leads to his father's cell when he hears female laughter coming from inside. His heart drops. He would know that laugh anywhere.

The door swings open and Malcolm finds his father sitting on his bed with Harley, both of them grinning at each other. "My boy!" Martin says. "So nice of you to stop by. I've just been getting acquainted with your girlfriend. Might I say what a wonderful choice she is."

"Stay away from her!" Malcolm cries. It comes out as a whimper and a moan outside of his dream. He tries to get his feet to move, to grab Harley out of Martin's clutches, but it feels like he's the one at the end of a tether.

"Your father's so nice, Malcolm!" Harley says. "I don't know why you were so afraid for us to meet."

In bed, Malcolm twists, trying to get to her, to protect her.