Chapter 12 - Fractured Memories
Sheltered beneath the rusted corrugated roof of the emergency exit stairwell, Arthur caught his breath while watching the distant hospital windows. Clara handed him a small, faded photograph retrieved from her wet trench coat pocket. Arthur took the photo with trembling hands, staring down at an image of a younger version of himself standing beside a different woman outside a biker bar. The woman in the photo looked strikingly similar to Clara, holding a baby wrapped in a familiar hunter-green blanket. Arthur shook his head violently, insisting he had never seen that woman or that bar in his entire life. Clara spoke softly, her tough exterior melting away to reveal a deep, lingering sorrow in her hazel eyes. She told him that his real memories had been wiped and replaced by the syndicate five years ago to ensure his absolute compliance. Before Arthur could absorb the devastating realization, a loud helicopter rotor blade began to thrash the air directly above their heads.
