Charlotte took a deep breath. “About a year ago, I was feeling, I guess you could say depressed. Not suicidal or anything like that. I was just lethargic and apathetic. Then I started to have problems remembering things. You know, can’t find the keys. Why did I just go into the kitchen? My mind was wandering, I suppose, but it was starting to bother me a lot. All those things combined led me to think that I should see a doctor.

“My personal physician was retiring and had sold his practice to a Dr. Harold Steinwood. But Dr. Steinwood, it seemed, was a geriatrician and changed the practice to focus on aging. It’s called Live-Life-Long. I thought, ‘Well, that sounds like it’s exactly what I need,’ so I went to see him. He did the normal tests, EKG, blood work, urine, the whole nine yards. He said he and two other doctors, one in New York and one in London, had a joint practice specializing in longevity. The only problem is that the fees are not covered by Medicare or any other insurance. Apparently, it’s too experimental to be covered. So if you agree to be enrolled in the program, you have to sign a release or waiver before you can be admitted. And an NDA.”

Myra frowned. “No insurance? A release? A nondisclosure agreement?”

“Yes. He said it’s done all the time because it takes so long before certain protocols are approved by the FDA. They have great reviews. Anyway, as I mentioned briefly in my letter, he set up a program for me in which I get a shot every week and take several different pills throughout the day.” Charlotte paused to take a sip of her tea as she eyed the glass of sherry.

“What kind of shot? And what kind of pills?” Myra knew she would have the answer to one of those questions in a day or so, but she didn’t want Charlotte to know she had been spying on her.

“Some kind of vitamin shot, and the pills are natural remedies for brain function, lungs, kidneys, and circulation. He gave me a personalized brochure with the information and instructions.”

“Do you have it with you?” Myra asked.

“No. It’s back in Aspen. The thing is, when I get the shot, I feel good for about two to three days. The pills don’t seem to be doing much for my cognitive abilities, though. In fact, sometimes I think things get worse between shots.”

“And how long have you been in this program?”

Charlotte thought a moment. “About four months. They say it takes about six months for the results to kick in.”

Myra was pleased at the direction the conversation was going. She gestured to the sherry, hoping it would loosen Charlotte up even more. The need for information was urgent.