Part 34 (1/2)
”What about Collinsport?”
”Nothing in particular. A certain view, things like that. I was drawn here, doctor. From the moment I read the towns name in Mrs. Stoddard's advertis.e.m.e.nt, I knew I had to come here, even if I didn't get the job. There's a key to my memory here somewhere. I just have to find it.” She walked to the window. ”I may be getting close.”
”Oh?”
”I don't understand how, but when I first saw the Old House last night, it looked -familiar. And - Josette's room. Then, last night, I had a dream.”
”Tell me about it.” Julia listened closely. ”That's where it ended?”
”And I woke up. I'm not sure how much was Barnabas' influence. He told me about his ancestor and how he met Josette and the woman he finally married. But he didn't tell me her name, and I can't seem to recall it from the dream. Do you know it, by any chance?”
”I may,” Julia said reluctantly.
Miranda's blue eyes narrowed. ”Dr. Hoffman, have I been here before?”
”Why do you ask?”
”Mrs. Stoddard's reaction to my arrival. She looked surprised to see me. As if I were someone she knew and hadn't expected to see again.”
”If I said you were right, would you leave it at that? Not ask any more questions right now?”
”Why?”
Julia sighed. ”In order for your memory to return as it should, it would be best if you aren't told anything more about your past.”
”Not even my name?”
”I think that when the time is right, you'll recognize it when you hear it.”
”And the time isn't right?”
”No, not yet.”
Miranda paced around the room. ”If you think it's that important, doctor, then I'll wait.”
”A very wise decision. I want you to feel free to discuss anything with me, Miranda. Whether it concerns your memory, or -”
”Or Barnabas?” she asked.
”Yes.”
Quentin caught up with Julia as she was on her way to the Old House. ”Did you talk to Miranda?”
”This morning. I think Angelique's memory is trying to return.”
”How about Barnabas? Any progress there?”
”I'll know something this evening.”
She was filling a hypodermic needle when the door to the lab opened. ”Good evening, Barnabas. I have the first injection prepared.”