Rune lit up and shook her hand. “You recognized me! You’re Elle. Dr. Brocklebank called about you.”

“I’m glad he gave you a heads-up.” Elle viewed Rune seriously. “Do you have a pronoun you prefer?”

Rune fixed her with a stern glance and said, “I am whatever your instinct tells you I am.”

Elle glanced at Adam, a question in her eyes.

“She said the same thing to me. It’s her background as a psychiatrist rearing its head.” Adam turned to Rune. “Right?”

“What do you think?” Rune asked him.

Adam sighed loudly.

Rune grinned.

Elle looked Rune over. The rings, the clothes, the beard stubble, the complete lack of concern for what anyone else thought. “Okay, I’ll go with she/her.”

Rune inclined her head.

Elle said, “You’re the person who is supposed to help me recover my memory.”

“You’ve lost your memory?” The wild psychic Rune changed into a person of serious intentions. “That’s interesting. Since you were first spotted this morning, I’ve heard amazing speculation about who you are and what you’re doing with, of all people, Adam Ramsdell.”

Adam grunted.

“But no one mentioned a loss of memory, not even Brocklebank.”

“Dr. Brocklebank is discreet and trustworthy,” she said.

“He’s a good man,” Rune agreed. “He said Adam found you?”

Adam could see what was coming. “I found her on the beach.”

“Ha! I was right, was I?” Rune beamed. “Go ahead, Adam. Say it.”

“You were right.” Adam would have to move away from Gothic or he’d never hear the end of it.

Rune returned her attention to Elle. “You’re battered. What can you tell me about your experiences?”

Elle sat down at Adam’s side and reached for his hand.

He didn’t react. Then he realized he should have reached, too.

But she pulled back, and Adam was discomfited. He should have offered comfort. She needed it, and he was always the strong person.

“Not much. I have impressions, that’s all.”

“Amnesia is rare and is caused by a number of possible reasons. One is brain trauma, of course, and if the trauma is severe, the damage might be irreparable.”

Elle touched the lump on her skull.

“But no seizures, no slurred speech, no blurry vision?” Rune peered inquiringly into Elle’s face.

“I feel fine. Sore.” She stretched out her leg. “Everything hurts.”

“Physical problems which, with the right care, will heal. Apply ice packs. If Brocklebank says you seem to be functioning well, and Adam and I concur, it’s wise to look for a psychological issue.”