Theyre numbers in Hebrew, she said.
Gus wasnt buying her story. Who tattooed coordinates on her own body? And in Hebrew? Highly unlikely. How do you know they arent a telephone number or someones birth date?
I had ten days in the hull of a ship to think about it. As you can see, there are two rows of numbers. When I reached the US, I gave the telephone theory a shot. When I called the first one, it played a recording that it was out of service. I got a day care facility on the second one. Given the numbers, I figured they were longitude and latitude. The coordinates pointed to the Halverson Estate in Virginia. She stared into Charlies eyes. I dont have any other ideas. If you dont know who I am, I dont know where to go from here.
Charlie studied her for a long time and then shook her head. Im sorry, but I dont recognize you at all. Her brow furrowed. But then I wasnt always privy to all of my late husbands activities. Perhaps he knew you?
The womans shoulders sagged.
Charlie reached out to her. Im sorry. I wish I could help you. It must be very distressful not knowing your own name. In the meantime, we have to call you something.
Jane Doe, Gus said.
Thats so impersonal, Charlie protested.
Its temporary until we figure out who she is, Declan said.
The woman in the black dress shrugged. Its as good a name as any. She nodded toward Gus. And like he said, its temporary. Or at least I hope its temporary. Until I figure out who I am, I have no home, no identification and no job that I know of.
In other words, youre broke and homeless, Gus said. Cant blame you for chasing down a rich widow. I guess I would, too, in your circumstances.
Jane Does eyes narrowed. I dont want Mrs. Halversons money. I want to know who I am. Right now, I have no history, memories or family that I know of. If I had a job, Im sure, by now, Ive been fired for not showing up.
You said you spent ten days in the hull of a ship, Declans eyes narrowed. Is that where you were when you came to or discovered youd lost your memory?
She shook her head, her jaw hardening. No.
Gus leaned forward. Where were you?
She didnt look at him, but stared into Charlies face. I was locked inside a tiny cell in a small village in Syria.
Charlies eyes widened. Syria?
Yes, maam. Syria.
What were you doing in Syria? Charlie asked.
Glancing away, Jane shook her head. I dont know. All I know is I was held captive. Thats where I woke up without my memory.