He’s right.
I set down my roller and wipe my hands on an old rag, which only smears more paint everywhere.
“Thanks.”
“Go before I change my mind and force you to finish the baseboards.”
I run out of the clinic.
Literally.
There’s blue-gray paint all over my hands, my sweater, probably my hair too.
I don’t care.
I cross Glenfield on foot.
The few villagers awake this early stare at me in confusion as I pass.
Duncan Fraser steps out of the bakery carrying a paper bag.
“Dr. McLeod? Everything all right?”
“Yes. No. I don’t know.”
I wave vaguely and keep going without stopping.
Everything will be all right once I talk to Mary and convince her to stay.
Right now, my entire life feels suspended in this strange blurry whirlwind. I’ve decided to stay in Glenfield. That part finally feels stable. But emotionally?
Nothing is certain.
The castle appears at the end of the road.
Massive.
Imposing.
Strangely familiar now.
The second I step into the entrance hall, Jamison materializes in front of me.
“Good morning, Doctor. What brings you here so early?”
His gaze flicks over my paint-covered clothes, but in true Jamison fashion, he doesn’t comment.
“Morning, Jamison. I need to see Mary.”
I expect resistance.
Maybe immediate expulsion from the castle grounds.
Instead, to my complete shock, he smiles.
Actually smiles.
I blink several times.
