JCO: Stolen Heart - Warning Plot Revealed....

I'd like to discuss Stolen Heart if anyone out there is available.

 

I've read the book through 2X, and I can't for the life of me understand why Merilee would enter into a relationship with "Uncle Jedah" after her discoveries in his bedroom.  There doesn't seem to be any strong, psychological motive; moreover, her character seems very conflicted between dependency and independence.  This type of weak, unmotivated characterization is very rare in my reading of JCO, so I'm wondering if I'm missing something here.

 

Bob