“Neither do I, damn it,” Claire screamed, then she started to sob. “I can’t remember how to get home. ”
“Oh, my God. ” Instead of panicking, Meghann took charge. “Do you have a piece of paper?”
“Yes. Right here. ”
“A pen?”
“Yes. ” Her sobs slowed down. “I’m scared, Meg. ”
“Write this down. Eight twenty-nine Post Alley. Do you have that?”
“I’m holding it. ”
“Keep holding it. Now get out of your car and walk toward the terminal. ”
“I’m scared. ”
“I’ll stay on the phone with you. ” She heard Claire slam the car door shut. The rolling thump of luggage followed her.
“Wait. I don’t know which way—”
“Is there a covered walkway in front of you, with airlines listed above it?”
“Yes. It says Alaska and Horizon. ”
“Go that way. I’m right here, Claire. I’m not going anywhere. Take the escalator down one floor. You see it?”
“Yes. ”
She sounded so weak. It scared the hell out of Meghann. “Go outside. Pick up the phone that says Taxi. What’s the number above the door you just came through?”
“Twelve. ”
“Tell the cab driver to pick you up at door twelve, that you’re going downtown. ”
“Hold on. ”
Meghann heard her talking.
Then Claire said, “Okay. ” She was crying again.
“I’m right here, Claire. Everything is going to be okay. ”
“Who is this?”
Meghann felt an icy rush of fear. “It’s Meghann. Your sister. ”
“I don’t remember calling you. ”
Oh, Jesus. Meghann closed her eyes. It took an act of will to find her voice. “Is there a cab in front of you?”
“Yes. Why is it here?”
“It’s there for you. Get in the backseat. Give him the piece of paper in your hand. ”
“Oh God, Meg. How did you know I had this paper? What’s wrong with me?”
“It’s okay, Claire. I’m here. Get in the cab. He’ll drop you off at my building. I’ll be waiting for you. ”