The Oracle (Fargo Adventures 11)

“Or a break,” Hank said, “we can’t verify until X-rays.”

Amal clasped Renee’s hand, then let go as she seemed to notice Sam and Remi for the first time. “Mr. and Mrs. Fargo. Sorry. I didn’t mean to ignore you. I’m Amal.”

“A pleasure to finally meet in person,” Remi said. “We thought we saw you out giving a tour earlier.”

Amal seemed taken aback. “No. That wasn’t me.”

“My mistake,” Remi said. “Anyway, we’re so glad you’ve agreed to come out to the school.”

“It’s all very exciting, if not overwhelming.” She turned toward Sam, smiling at him as she reached out to shake his hand. The moment their fingers touched, she jerked back, then suddenly clasped her throat, looking as though she couldn’t breathe.

CHAPTER SIX

A friend is one who knows everything about you

and still wants to be your friend.

– AFRICAN PROVERB –

Shouldn’t we call for a doctor?” Remi asked as Hank led Amal to the chair next to Renee.

“She’ll be fine,” Hank said, patting her hand.

Renee nodded. “Poor thing has panic attacks. Just needs to catch her breath.”

If Amal heard them, she gave no indication. Her dark eyes held a vacant stare as she muttered something under her breath that sounded like “Sat-er … Sat-er …”

Remi looked at Hank, then Renee, noting both seemed very calm over the whole thing. “You’re sure she’s okay?”

“I promise,” Renee said. “Give her a minute. She tends to drift off and utter odd words. The French and English I get, since those are the languages she grew up with. It’s the Latin and Greek that are somewhat surprising.”

“Studying archeology?” Hank said. “Maybe not so surprising.”

“Good point. Anyway, she’ll be fine.”

In fact, almost as soon as Renee finished talking, Amal blinked a couple of times. “I had one of my attacks, didn’t I?”

Renee nodded.

“I don’t know why this happens to me. Maybe I should go home. If I hurry, I might be able to catch my taxi before it leaves.”

“Don’t be silly,” Renee said. “Hank can give you a ride.”

“No.” She gave an embarrassed smile and stood. “I don’t want to leave you stranded.”

“You won’t,” Hank said. “The Fargos have their car here. I’m sure they’ll get her home just fine.”

“Not until after lunch,” Renee said. “I’m starved.”

Hank laughed, then guided Amal out.

Remi waited for the doors to close after them, before asking Renee about Amal’s health.

“Her doctor thinks they’re mild seizures brought on by stress. Needless to say, she doesn’t drive because of it.”

Sam asked, “You think she’s okay going out to the school?”

“If we can get her there, yes. Frankly, I was surprised we were able to get her out to the convention. Unfamiliar surroundings seem to affect her more and she tries to avoid them. But she loves children, so I think the school will be a great trip for her.”