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Chapter 40
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247 C Chapter 40 he mentally unhinging image of Moagi and Eurydice naked in each other’s arms lingered in Katherine’s mind. It stood in her view like smog. Her forehead hurt. Questions without answers boggled her. Why had she dreamt of Gregory Rasputin? How had a historical character crept into her dreams? Moagi had denied vehemently any wrongdoing, except that he blamed himself for failing to wake up when she left the bed. Did it mean she was wrong? But she didn’t require his corroboration that the incest was a fact. He had testified that she broke vases and hangings in the house. But why was she so groggy and floppy on waking up? Had she risen deranged, or in a fugue state, and wandered in the mansion hallucinating? She was alone, in hospital clothes and in a bed. Scores of getwell -soon cards and flowers plagued the room’s cabinets and tables. The cards poured from Randlord Mansion staff members, fellow parishioners, friends and relatives, and her husband’s political lieutenants. Dr Kingsley Housman walked into the room. A surgical mask hung forlornly below his chin and a stethoscope lolled on his chest. He greeted her and began examining her brow. “Is it too late for the hospital to do an analysis of my urine and stools?” she suddenly asked the doctor. “What do you want the hospital to pursue, Mrs Makgunda?” “Some things aren’t adding up, Dr Housman.” “Aren’t you supposed to be celebrating you came back to life?” He fingered her temples and the sides of her neck. “On the night, I struggled to keep my eyes open and to walk. I want to know what might’ve caused it.” “That isn’t surgical at all.” The doctor listened to her heartbeat through the stethoscope. “Only a forensic pathologist can assist you in that province.” T 248 “I think I’ll need the services of one.” “But there isn’t much he can do if our lab guys discarded the samples they collected from you.” “You took my samples?” “It’s a routine admission procedure. I assume we’ve a philtre of your blood and samples of your stool and urine.” “That’s wonderful.” “Being human and susceptible to omissions, the lab guys may’ve overlooked the sampling aspect. I’ve seen it happen.” “How can I find out if my samples were collected?” “I can find out for you if you insist, Mrs Makgunda.” “I insist, Dr Housman.” She sighed. “Dr Housman, how can one tell if one sleepwalked during a particular night?” “That’s psychological.” He placed the stethoscope around his shoulders, drew a pen torch from a breast pocket and began peering into her right eye. “Psychologists have techniques to that effect. I’m a surgeon, basically.” “Do you know any reputable psychologist in Pretoria or Johannesburg?” The doctor moved to her left eye. “Dr Herbert O’Donovan. He’s at the corner of Paul Kruger and Proes St. Eighth floor, Oosterbroek Building. He’ll do a remarkable job for you.” The doctor put away the torch and studied her bedside documents. “I’m satisfied I must discharge you soon, Mrs Makgunda.” “But not without my admission samples.” “Of course, if someone didn’t forget to draw them.” She blinked several times to offset the torch’s residual glare in her eyes. “Is there a forensic expert you can refer me?” “There’s Dr Lefoka,” Dr Housman said instantly. “Where do I find him?” “It’s a she, Mrs Makgunda. Dr Nancy Lefoka is an analytical chemist, pathologist and the head of a post mortem department. You’ll find her at the Government Morgue.” “I don’t know where the morgue is?” “It’s behind Tshwane Hospital.” “But Dr Nancy Lefoka is a bit of a screwball.” [3.238.228.191] Project MUSE (2024-03-29 01:42 GMT) 249 “Don’t forensic pathologists deal with corpses only?” “Not all the time. They do chemical and anatomical reconstructions. Dr Lefoka has extensive analytical experience.” “Why do you describe her as a screwball?” “She still uses primitive methods to open bodies. She works like a butcher man.” “Can you write me a note or something like a referral to take to her?” “I’ll be obliged, Mrs Makgunda. If the pathologist can’t help you, at least she’ll suggest some advice.” “I don’t want my husband to know a thing about my enquiries.” His eyes widened. “Are you...