Play It as It Lays

44

THE LETTER from the hypnotist was mimeographed, and came to Maria in care of the studio that had released Angel Beach.

"YOUR WORRIES MAY DATE FROM WHEN YOU WERE A BABY," the letter began, and then, after a space, were the words "IN

YOUR MOTHER'S WOMB." Maria read the letter very carefully.

The hypnotist had found that many people could be regressed not only to infancy but to the very instant of their conception. The hypnotist would receive a few interested clients in the privacy of his Silverlake home. With a sense that she was about to confirm a nightmare, Maria telephoned the number he gave.