The Witch of Tut by D. A. Spruzen

Author:D. A. Spruzen
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: 4 Horsemen Publications, Inc.
Published: 2023-09-19T18:30:33+00:00

15

Dr. Ayre’s front office looked as nondescript as any other American doctor’s office. Lin and I walked up to a windowed reception niche containing a desk-bound secretary guarding his credit card gadgets and computer equipment. I gave the young man my ID and insurance card and filled in a form that demanded I check boxes concerning all kinds of medical information, most of which hadn’t happened to me yet. Next to the window was the closed door that must lead to the exam rooms.

I sat next to Lin on an upholstered loveseat that was the color of rusty sludge.

“This place is so ordinary,” I whispered to her.

“What did you expect, gossamer and sequins?”

Fair enough.

“Will you come in with me?” I was in two minds about this. I didn’t know what to expect from this doctor who, after all, was not human. On the other hand, I didn’t like the idea of the exam not being private. Those stirrups are the ultimate indignity.

“I’ll come back to make the introductions, then I’ll leave you to it.” As if she’d read my mind.

The door to the inner sanctum swung open.

“Ms. Lambert!”

We both rose at the strident summons of a hefty middle-aged woman who turned on her heel and strode back out without checking whether we had followed. She stopped outside a small examination room, opened the door, and went in, her eyes scanning the counter and trays before handing me the robe folded on the couch.

“Everything off, opening in front,” she rapped. She left, closing the door so firmly that it was almost a slam.

“What a battle-axe,” I said, not bothering to whisper.

“Eir’s told me about her. ‘Very efficient and a heart of gold’ was the way she put it.”

“Huh.”

I started to undress. Lin took my things as I removed them and hung them from the hook on the back of the door. She lifted my pants and shirt to place the undies beneath them—an uncharacteristic display of delicacy. I kept my socks on. Those stirrups…

A knock on the door announced the doctor’s arrival.

“Come in,” called Lin.

Dr. Ayre was another surprise. Tall and hearty, she was handsome rather than beautiful. Her face looked sculpted because every feature was perfectly balanced. When she smiled, her teeth gleamed like a toothpaste ad. Her blond hair was perfectly arranged in a complex arrangement of braids that would have taxed the talents of any couture stylist.

She and Lin embraced.

“It’s wonderful to see you again, Eir. Congratulations on your new office and being so busy so quickly.”

“Well, I bought the practice with an existing patient list, and they seem to like me all right. New patients have begun to come in, too, as I make contacts at the Fairfax Hospital, where I have privileges. The place needs sprucing up. It’s a bit gloomy and old-fashioned for my taste, but I haven’t had time to deal with it yet.” She turned to me. “So, you are Mary.”

“Yes,” I said.

“And you know our … circumstances.”

“I do indeed.”

“She is very discreet,” Lin broke in.

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