Barnaby was still skeptical about whether this man's brother was truly involved or not, but it was worth noting his suspicions just the same. Years of searching for the truth behind his parents' deaths had taught him that even the smallest kernel of information could become relevant later.

Before he could pry for more information, though, Gabe asked another question. Pausing a moment, Barnaby tried to recall whether anyone had told him or not. "I'm not sure," he admitted. "Judging from what I've heard, though, I'd say a month at the very least -- probably longer than that, even."

After all, the people in Doyleton seemed convinced that the institute was what it claimed. That sort of reputation wasn't built overnight.

Regardless, for a newcomer, Gabe was handling the news remarkably well. Barnaby remembered he'd spent much of his first day wandering in a haze of confusion and self doubt, half believing that he actually belonged here, and questioning what people told him at every turn. Yet this man had yet to challenge anything Barnaby had said. Did he honestly believe his story, or was he simply trying to act diplomatic while he privately tried to come to his own conclusions?

With that in mind, Barnaby studied him again. "May I ask where you're from?"