“Listen,” he continues, “I can help you. By putting you into a state of deep hypgnotic relaxation, I can help you access memories you feel certain are forever lost. You should know that in addition to working with alien abductees and past-lifers—both of which I believe in, by the way—I also work with the NYPD and several other major police departments.”

“Oh,” I say, impressed. “What is your success rate?”

“I do filing for them and I’m pretty damn accurate. The point is,” Barassini says, “that for this to work, I need you to trust me fully. Are there any concerns you have about me or the process at this point that I can try to assuage?”