The Nightmare Machine — John N. Datesh

Wealthy industrialist Thomas Jordan had acquired a vengeful enemy. That enemy entered Jordan's bedroom one night as he slept. Come morning, Thomas Jordan did not wake up. His heart had imploded that night. It was Thomas Jordan's own generosity that killed him. Researcher Raymond Carleton had developed his dream therapy computer system with a Jordan foundation grant. Raymond's machine had not impressed Thomas Jordan or his board enough to keep the grant money flowing, but they hadn't known the half of it. Raymond's machine could do a hell of a lot more than count sheep. Accent on Hell. His ingenious device inserted Raymond himself inside any dream, live, and with the power to frighten the dreamer to death. Old man Jordan's death opened the way for Raymond's only real hope, the old man's brilliant daughter, Madelaine. Raymond was confident that eccentric Madelaine was contrary enough to be his ally, to reverse her father's foolhardy decision. Raymond was positive he had Madelaine analyzed... Right up until the last second when she underestimated him and put him on the street. Raymond tended to overreact to disappointment. Of all of them, Madelaine should have understood his genius. Fine. He had the means to help her realize her mistake... Right up until her last second. But underestimating works both ways. So did Raymond's machine. Raymond did not expect Madelaine to be waiting for him. Inside her head.