<br><br> <center> *Convenient mythologies require neither evidence nor logic.
― Edward S. Herman*
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![DvhbRveWkAABnDz.jpg](https://cdn.steemitimages.com/DQmY2g1GMn4ag6V66S2Np6SnqkyEYxpJ6VaycuMMT22SFDg/DvhbRveWkAABnDz.jpg)
*Recovered Memories Emblem*</center>


<br><br>I was sitting in the Hart House Grill, sipping my morning coffee and looking forward to starting my day. We were close to recovering Sylvie's repressed memories and I felt certain that the afternoon session would yield a breakthrough.

It was a perfect day for early June, sunny with fair weather clouds and all the promise that only spring itself can bring. Still, something felt wrong.

Maybe it was the cheerleaders gathered round their table casting surreptitious glances in my direction and not happily chattering as was their custom. They were huddled together, whispering in subdued tones.

It was reminiscent of a gathering storm with dark clouds on the horizon and the scent of rain in my nostrils―I didn't have to hear thunder to know a disturbance was on the way. I could feel it in my bones...

I knew something was wrong.

<br><br>I felt accused of some unnamed crime that traced a blood smear across my cheek and left me with blood stained hands soap could not erase.

It was then I saw Paige's face, pale as a petal on a black bough and her grim expression said it all. 

"Oh Cole," she sighed, slumping into the chair opposite me. "Have you seen *The Varsity News*?

I shook my head. "No, what's wrong?"

"Here, take it and read," she said in a flat tone, handing the folded newspaper to me.

<br><br>From the corner of my eye I could see the sombre faces of the freshman girls staring at me.

"Don't tell me I'm accused of diddling a student," I hissed.

"Just read it, " she insisted.

The headline said it all: *Psychedelics Reveal Memories*. 

My heart sunk. I began reading the article. 

*A university research project is exploring the controversial phenomenon of  repressed memories by using psychedelic drugs and already it has landed one test subject in the University Health Clinic suffering the effects of a bad acid trip.* 

<br><br>"This is a load of crap!" I seethed, "how can they be allowed to publish such rubbish? They're turning a respected campus newspaper into a rag supporting yellow journalism."

"I've already been to see Dean Atkinson and he's promised me they're looking into the matter. At the very least, they should have contacted us before publishing it to get our side of the story."

"He's right―there's something wrong here. This type of thing left unchallenged, can stain our reputations for years to come."

"I have every confidence Dean Atkinson will have a speedy answer for us . He's already involving the campus police."

My jaw dropped. "Really? He's taking it that seriously?"

She nodded, "He is and told me to assure you he'll do everything to protect us from unwarranted rumour and slander. He has complete trust in our integrity and the quality of our research."

<br><br>I immediately calmed down.

 "Well that's a relief. It still leaves us in a bad position. I have a lecture this morning and already I sensed something was wrong by the way the students were whispering and sneaking glances at me."

"The Dean said it might be best for us to cancel our lectures until he could fully investigate the matter, but left it up to us how we should proceed."

"I don't know about you but I'm not canceling lectures or keeping a low profile. We have nothing to hide. I'm going to tell my students the article is bogus and the source is being investigated."

She smiled, "I intend to do the same."

<br><br>"Let me buy you a coffee," I said  putting my hand on hers to console her, "you look like you could use a strong brew right about now."

"I could do with a shot of rum or rye in it," she laughed, but a  cheese croissant might also help."

"You've been spending too much time around Nigel," I quipped. "By the way, how is he handling this?"

"He just rolled his eyes and called it bullshit, and then went back to munching on bagel while preparing for this afternoon's session."

"So, I take it we're all agreed―full speed ahead?"

She nodded, "We're too close to miss a step. Let's not let this distract us from our mission. Sylvie may finally get some answers.

"She might." I mused , "and we might just catch a killer instead of being distracted defending our reputations."



<br><br> <center>To be continued…</center>

<br><center>© 2021, John J Geddes. All rights reserved</center>

<br><center>[Photo](https://imgur.com/MBeFGR7)</center>
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