Amnesia (32 page)

Authors: G. H. Ephron

BOOK: Amnesia

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“Can it be administered outpatient?”

“Perhaps. Eventually.” Channing glowed with satisfaction. “Sounds like a magic bullet, doesn't it? Talk to the drug companies,
you'd think it was a subversive plot to put them out of business. Acu-Med went ballistic when they heard. And oh, big surprise, one of the guys who submitted that note to
JAMA
used to work for them.” She gave a disgusted sniff. “Wouldn't surprise me if he's still on retainer.”

“They're probably trying to develop a prescription drug to do exactly the same thing.”

Channing's eyebrows rose in surprise. “Peter, you're starting to think like me. Actually, they are. Liam Jensen is running the clinical trials.” Jensen was a doctor who worked with Channing in the Drug and Alcohol Rehabilitation Unit. Channing slowed down until a middle-aged couple walked past. “I've got most of my final report drafted. The final stats are being reviewed now.”

“Sounds like you think they're out to get you.”

“You think I'm being paranoid?”

“It's not paranoia when you're surrounded by assassins,” I said. “After all, you're the one who's still fighting greed, injustice, and the American way. I think you've got it written into your job description.”

Channing didn't smile. “How much longer, I wonder? You've heard the other allegations against me?”

“I haven't.” I tried to keep my head out of the noxious cloud of gossip that floats around the Pearce.

“You're probably the only one, then. They're questioning my clinical judgment.”

Clinical judgment â
a euphemism vague enough to cover just about anything. That and
not a team
player
were the terms used to brand those who didn't go along or get along.

“They're saying that I behaved inappropriately. Got too close. Violated the boundaries.”

I paused, mid-step. “You?”

Channing laughed. “Oh, come on, Peter. I'm not that much of a prig.” She gave me a sideways glance. “Well, maybe I am.” She took my arm and pulled me forward. “Anyway, some people find it credible. The worst part is that these allegations are being
made in a way that I can't confront them. Character assassination by innuendo.”

We stopped near the edge of the parking lot, at the foot of an enormous concrete lion. The creature had his mouth open, his mane curling about his head as he hugged a shield emblazoned with the word
Veritas.
Channing glanced up at the beast and shivered.

“Truth,” she said, spitting out the word. “I know that's what this place is supposed to stand for. But sometimes I wonder if we're embracing it or devouring it whole.”

AMNESIA

Cover photo Â© Ansgar/Zefa/Photonica

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St. Martin's Paperbacks are published by St. Martin's Press, 175
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eISBN 9781429973557

First eBook Edition : March 2011

Library of Congress Catalog Card Number: 00-031730

St. Martin's Press hardcover edition / September 2000

St. Martin's Paperbacks edition / September 2001