IV
“Doctor, please. A drink” I pleaded. I turned my
head to the carafe on the bedside table and opened my
mouth to receive the tonic.
“There is no more” Wertenberg replied. “You
have consumed it all.”
“For God’s sake, doctor” I begged. “Have mercy.
Just a taste, a drop. I must return. I must sleep.”
done.”
“There is no need” he said. “The business is
“It can't be” I cried, my voice hoarse and barely a
whisper. “It must go on.” Tears of misery formed in the
corners of my eyes.
Wertenberg leaned closer to my ear. Though my
eyes were closed, I could feel his breath against my cheek.
The smell of it was sweet and clean. He took my wrist in
his hand and pressed a thumb to my pulse. The touch was
warm and sent a mild electric tingle through my nerves.
When he spoke, his voice was gentle but firm.
“I will explain everything to you now, though it is
of little consequence to anyone but myself.” The sound of
his voice was melodic and soothing, like the cooing of a
dove. He continued to monitor my pulse.
“You were chosen for your youth, your physical
features and good health” he explained. “As a man of the
law, you have both knowledge and the wit to absorb it.
This factor is not entirely vital but, given a choice, I
believed it desirable. I had a choice. I seldom do.”
19