Читать книгу The Grand Dark онлайн | страница 59
“Come now. I’m not a police officer or your mother. I’m merely asking as a physician.”
“Perhaps a year,” said Largo quietly. “Though I’m not really addicted. I just, Remy and I, we just like it.”
“Of course. Of course.”
Largo leaned closer to the doctor. “How did you know?”
“It’s your eyes. Morphia affects the shape of the pupil. It’s very subtle. You have to look for it. Don’t worry, people on the street, your employer, even most police officers are unlikely to notice unless you go too far.”
“Thank you for the advice,” Largo said. “But before, why did you say there were ironies?”
Dr. Venohr chuckled to himself. “Because it appears that morphia may give users a certain amount of immunity to the plague virus.”
“That’s good news, then. Remy uses morphia too.”
“As much as you?”
Largo sagged against the back of the car. “No.”
“There you are,” said Dr. Venohr. “Continue to addle your senses, young man. Morphia might ruin your life, but it just might save it. That’s what I meant by irony.”
Largo looked out the window. “We’re almost there.”
When they arrived, Dr. Venohr helped Largo walk Remy into her flat and get her into bed. The doctor took a blood sample from her arm and placed it in his bag. On his way out he said, “Remember: do not leave her alone. I believe that Remy has a Trefle?”
“She does.”
Dr. Venohr took a card from his pocket and gave it to Largo. “You may reach me at this number day or night.”
“Thank you, Doctor.”
“I’ll see myself out,” he said. “Oh, and one more thing.”
“Yes?” said Largo.
The doctor laid a finger along the side of his nose. “Don’t tell anybody about our little chat regarding the plague. We don’t want to start a panic, do we?”
“Of course not. I won’t say a word.”
“You have some morphia with you, I take it?”
“A little.”
Dr. Venohr took a vial from his bag and set it on a gilt end table. “Here is a bit more. I don’t want you fainting tonight or being tempted to leave to purchase more. Of course, if anyone asks, you did not obtain this from me.”