Page 63 of The Life We Almost Had

‘And there are loads, literally loads of people on YouTube waking from comas after being given a sleeping tablet. Is this something you’d try?’

‘No. I think—’

‘Also—’

‘Nell. Would you and Anna like to come and have a look around? See the work we’re doing.’ Oliver’s palm was clammy with nerves, the phone slippery in his hand.

‘We’re not committing to anything.’

‘Of course not. Just a chat.’

‘Even if we agree, there will be conditions.’

‘Of course.’

‘And… and if you hurt Adam, I will hunt you down. I’ve got—’

‘Skills?’ Oliver cut in. ‘Look, this isn’t a Liam Neeson movie. This is real life. Adam and Anna’s lives and I don’t take that lightly. I’ve been… I have some degree of understanding of what Anna is feeling right now.’

It took a second for Nell to reply. ‘We read about your wife. I’m sorry. It’s just that…’ Nell’s voice wobbled.

‘The people you love are in a terrible situation and you don’t know how to help them. I get it. Look, all I can say is come and meet me. Nobody is going to force Anna into anything. I promise.’

‘Okay. Tomorrow at ten.’

They were late. He hoped they were still coming. He prayed Adam’s condition hadn’t changed. Immediately Oliver berated himself.He’d be glad if Adam had woken up, of course, but there was always the other possibility.

That Adam might have died.

He checked his watch again. It was nearly eleven.

Where were they?

Chapter Thirty-Six

Anna

Me and Nell tumbled from the taxi, horribly late for our appointment with Oliver. We hadn’t rung to explain but I was sure he would understand.

Given the circumstances.

The Institute was a sprawling white building at the very tip of the island, the only clue to its identity a small, discreet silver sign bearing its name and logo. Behind it lay a glistening sea and a sky so blue it was impossible to tell where one ended and the other began. The heat was relentless. It built and built and now it was approaching midday, it was insufferable to be outside, but still I loitered hesitantly, knowing if I stepped inside, I would be on a path I couldn’t turn back from.

‘It’s just a chat,’ Nell reassured me.

‘I know but…’ I couldn’t put into words how scared I was that I might agree to the trial and it would work, only to discover that there was nothing going on inside Adam’s mind, or that there was but not a single thought was about me. ‘I don’t think I can go in.’ I sat on the low wall, my head in my hands, taking deep breaths while Nell rubbed my back.

‘Mrs Curtis?’

I looked up to see a woman of around forty wearing a crisp, white short-sleeved dress. ‘I’m Sofia. Are you okay?’ It was only then I noticed the discreet CCTV cameras positioned high in the corners of the building. I was flustered that I’d been observed.

A monkey in a cage being scrutinized without knowing.

What was I thinking, coming here?

‘Dr Chapman is waiting,’ Sofia said, turning back to the building, her high ponytail swinging.

‘The second you want to leave, we will.’ Nell held out her hand to me and I took it.

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