Page 44 of State of Retribution

“Did Sam tell you she’s looking into a connection between her three new vics and Harlowe’s case?”

“She did.”

“Okay, just making sure you’re in the loop.I’ll get over to the hotel now and bring her a bag shortly.”

“Thanks, Erica.”

“Yes,” Harlowe said.“Thank you so much, Erica.”

“Happy to help.See you soon.”

Archie ended the call and got up to refill their coffee cups.“Does Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, ring any bells?”

Her brows furrowed as she thought about it.“I mean… Yes, of course, but the details are hazy.I remember going to school and some of my friends, but that was a long time ago.The more recent stuff isn’t there.”

“That’s okay.You don’t have to remember right now.How do you feel about your parents coming to see you?”

Her eyes filled.“For some reason, I don’t like that they’re coming.What’s wrong with me?They’re my parents.”

“You took a hard knock to the head and suffered significant trauma.Losing your memory can be your brain’s way of protecting you.”

“From what?”

“From what happened to you.”

“I don’t understand any of this.”

He had questions of his own.When he’d tried to find her online, he’d found no mention of a Harlowe St.John affiliated with any of the major national food companies.There’d been no social media profiles or any information at all that he could tie to the woman he’d come to know.

Which made him wonder if she’d told him the truth about herself when they first met.He hadn’t wanted to ask Erica what name her parents had given while Harlowe was listening, but the first chance he got, he’d ask her that.

He hoped he got the chance to speak to her parents so he could put together more pieces of the puzzle.

While they waited for Erica to arrive, Archie texted Sam.Harlowe is okay with you coming by, but she said again that she doesn’t remember anything beyond what she’s already reported.

If you don’t mind, I’d still like to talk to her.

We’re here.Lucas has been in touch with her parents, and they’re en route from Pittsburgh.She’s going to Harlowe’s hotel to get some of her things.

Glad to hear there’s progress in figuring out who she is and where she’s from.

Do you think Dr.Trulo might be willing/able to talk to her?

I’m sure he’d be glad to.I’ll see if he’s available, and we’ll be there shortly.

Archie replied with a thumbs-up emoji.“My friends, Sam and Freddie, are going to stop by to talk to you, possibly with our department psychiatrist, Dr.Trulo, who’s a wonderful guy.Fun fact: Not only is Sam the lieutenant of our Homicide division, but she’s also the first lady.”

“Samantha Cappuano.”

He turned to her, surprised.“You remember her name.”

Harlowe nodded.“I don’t know why I do, but I remember her and her handsome husband, the president.I remember you telling me you work with her.”She looked happy and worried at the same time.“Does that mean my memory is returning?How do I remember that, but I don’t recall why I feel weird about my parents or any other recent things?”

“The brain is a very complicated machine.It’s hard to say why you remember that but not the rest.”

“It’s very strange to not remember your life.”

“I’m sure it is, but what’s important right now is that you rest and relax and give yourself time to recover.”

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