Chapter 3
Contains spoilersOverview
In Mrs. Sigsby’s office, security chief Trevor Stackhouse briefs her on the successful abduction of Luke Ellis while they covertly observe Luke deducing how the Institute operates. Their conversation reveals internal procedures, planted evidence to frame Luke, staff attitudes, and the use of housekeeper Maureen Alvorson as an informant. The scene confirms the Institute’s calculated secrecy and manipulation of the children.
Summary
Trevor Stackhouse enters Mrs. Sigsby’s office to report that the Ruby Red team has returned from the “Ellis operation.” He is armed and physically imposing. Mrs. Sigsby invites him to watch a live feed of the kids in the canteen as Luke Ellis questions the others about the Institute.
Stackhouse and Sigsby observe Luke, Nicky Wilholm, Kalisha Benson, and Iris Stanhope. Luke asks logistical questions about staff size and secrecy, impressing Sigsby and Stackhouse with his deductions. Luke reasons that staff must rotate in groups, likens the compound to a government black site, and frames the kids’ captivity as a “tour of duty.”
Iris and Nicky corroborate pieces of Luke’s reasoning, mentioning doctors, techs, housekeeping, and the tank. Iris says the tank was preferable to injections in her experience. Stackhouse comments on Luke’s intelligence, and Sigsby notes his age.
Off the feed, Stackhouse confirms Ruby Red has been debriefed and that the team planted incriminating computer searches on Luke’s device about kids killing parents, a standard tactic to support the staged murder-suicide narrative. Sigsby declines to meet the team, requesting only the written report by Denny Williams.
Stackhouse asks about Maureen Alvorson. Sigsby reflects that Maureen, who appears sympathetic to the kids, is actually paid to inform, using supposed audio “dead zones” near the cafeteria south corner and canteen vending machines to coax confidences. Past intel included Bobby Washington’s suicidal thoughts. Sigsby tells Stackhouse there is no recent intel and dismisses him to return to work.
Who Appears
- Mrs. Sigsby
Institute administrator; monitors kids, confirms planted evidence on Luke’s computer, manages informant network and debrief reports.
- Trevor Stackhouse
security chief; reports on the “Ellis operation,” praises Luke’s deductions, references standard framing procedures and debriefs.
- Luke Ellis
new captive; deduces staff rotations, secrecy methods, and compares the Institute to a black site.
- Nicky Wilholm
captive; engages Luke, comments on tank vs. shots, remains rebellious and is noted as soon to be transferred.
- Kalisha Benson
captive; present during Luke’s questioning and focal to staff surveillance of group dynamics.
- Iris Stanhope
captive; describes the tank and says it was better for her than injections.
- Maureen Alvorson
housekeeper; revealed as an informant who exploits supposed audio dead zones to gather kids’ secrets, including Bobby Washington’s suicidal ideation.
- Denny Williams
staff (new); tasked with writing the Ellis operation report.
- Bobby Washington
captive (discussed); previously confided suicidal thoughts to Maureen.