Curiosity might kill the kitty, but it never harmed a writer.
After getting off the bus, Clare had to walk the last few blocks to the institute.
“Are you here for an appointment?” thereceptionist asked Clare when she skulked around the waiting room, trying to see if Griffin was sitting inside.
“Actually, I’m waiting for my brother, Griffin Gallagher,” Clare improvised. “Brought him a notebook he left at my place.”
“He’s late,” the receptionist said. “Hasn’t called to cancel, so you might want to wait or check with him.”
“Sure, thanks.” Clare took a seatin the waiting room and pretended to text someone.
Fifteen minutes went by, then half an hour, but Griffin didn’t come through the door. She was about to leave when the receptionist called out, “Could you ask your brother to reschedule?”
“Sure. He must have forgotten,” Clare said. “Please convey my apologies to the doctor.”
“It’s fine.” The woman nodded, smiling. “Our patientshave a habit of forgetting, especially after a seizure.”
Seizure? Clare’s ears pricked at the word. She wanted to pump the receptionist for more information, but of course, due to patient privacy, she would never get a definitive answer.
“I should have checked with him before coming.” Clare waved the notebook. “Since I live in Dublin, it was easier for me to meet him here than tohire a car to take me all the way to Donegal.”
“Aye, it is a long way to come, but we have the best specialists for his condition.” The receptionist flipped through Griffin’s file and made a note.
“We’re very grateful,” Clare said. “Especially since it’s so rare.”
“True. Most epilepsy patients don’t suffer the types of memory loss your brother has to deal with. I’m sure it’svery disconcerting for the family when he forgets who you are.”
Clare tried to keep the shock off her face as she pressed her lips together and nodded. “Yes, it is hard on us. Very hard.”
She imagined what life would be like for Griffin’s family, and whether he had a girlfriend. Could Brigid be a real person who was in love with him? Had she given him the amulet, hoping he wouldremember her after his seizures?
What if the Heart of Brigid was a memory aid, and by stealing it, Clare had deprived him of any hope of recovery?
