Nightmare — Gloria Murphy

THE OFFER

It was a welcome second chance. The Platts, burdened with a failed business and a deteriorating marriage, grabbed it. The Institute at Grads Village had promised moving expenses, a house, and, most of all, a terrific new job for Richard.

THE VILLAGE

It was the model society, located completely underground. Schoolchildren were grouped by intelligence rather than age. Junk food was banned. And an all-powerful bureaucracy -- governing by cryptic codes, close medical scrutiny, and unbreakable rules -- watched over every detail of life.

THE SECRET

It was a dark suspicion that grew into a terrifying certainty. Gradually, Jessie Platt learned that the Institute was concerned with more than the study of communicable diseases. It wanted something more -- the one thing no parent would ever willingly give.