The most effective would be to make two of these things, one for each ear. But making a perfect duplicate would take far too much time. Getting them to sync together would take even longer. He needed a quick fix to get out from whatever Gabe was doing to him so he could spring his trap. Then he would have all the time he needed to perfect the device.

As Gabe leaned closer, he almost set the project down. Because it seemed to get stronger, more difficult to fight. Like proximity increased the weight on his mind. He took a slow breath and braced himself, reminding himself that he'd never actually known Tess Morgan.

"Tell me, Gabriel, what exactly was the last good idea you had?" The strain of holding onto his own mind registered in his voice. He hated it, but he couldn't hide it. "I'm having trouble recalling the specifics, do you remember?" Because if he even tried to make up something about his device, he knew he'd slip and give the boy what he wanted.