Part 38 (1/2)

The nurse was putting a file into a cabinet, which she slid closed with a thunk. Looking up, she said, ”Because she has the memory of a goldfish?”

”That's awful,” Scarlett snapped. ”They should call her by her name.”

Lucas was waiting by the elevator, but there were a few people in wheelchairs waiting, too.

Scarlett headed for the wide stairs to the lobby- Had to get out Had to get out now- That EXIT sign there.

and Lucas followed and then caught up to her. ”What's wrong?” Scarlett pushed- EMERGENCY DOOR.

Too late.

Sirens sounded.

She stepped out into the sun, wanting to run.

Without memory you were a goldfish.

Swimming i n c i r c l e s Without memories you were . . .

. . . no one.

Lucas

They drove. Mostly quiet.

Just: ”Maybe we should see if Chambers will check out the memory lab? Maybe there's a connection there?”

And, ”You think he'll remember anything?”

And, ”I doubt he'll even remember he promised to read it.”

And, ”You okay?”

And, ”Yeah, I think so.”

And, ”Goldie.”

And, ”I know.”

It hadn't been a dead end, exactly.

Maybe he'd read the book, maybe he'd give them something.

But it didn't seem . . . likely.

Something eventually had to look familiar.

Something had to trigger a memory.

Crack this ice.

Had he ever seen that building?