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"I'm sorry, Giles It isn't you, of course I'm here because you're the best alienist I know It's simply this place The memories" He let his sentence trail off

Giles's face softened "I understand And how is the lovely Maeve?"

"The same, I'm afraid"

Giles nodded slowly

A pause enveloped the trio, then Giles cleared his throat "So, back to the point at hand You've co, I take it"

Ian's heart seemed to stop for a second "Is she still alive?"

"Yes," Giles answered in a voice so soft, Ian could scarcely hear it "She's still alive, and still here"

Still here That was not a good sign

101

Ian dreaded the next question with everything in him "Any improvement?"

"I think you'd best see Elizabeth for yourself, Ian Then we can discuss the particulars"

Chapter Nine

The shadowy corridor was filled with the sa aimlessly to and fro Ian walked stiffly forward, with Johann on his right side and Giles at his left

An old, gray-haired wo at hi "I need to leave, Superintendent Wellsby-"

Giles keptheap at his feet