The Man Who Lost His Genius – Valerie Byron – 5200 words (Mystery / Thriller / Literary)

1940's London, the doctor shares a story about a musician who has had his genius stolen from him. Who would have thought it would end like this?

The Man Who Lost His Genius

The Doctor turned away from the window, letting the thick curtain fall back into place.

“A foul night,” he reported, “still snowing hard.  I hope those devils leave me in peace, or at least until the morning.”

The Colonel grunted.  “Don’t know why you fellows even start a job like yours.  Life’s not your own.  Why didn’t you take up music like your father?”

Doctor William Claymore laughed. “No use to me, Colonel,” he replied.  “I’m next door to being deaf mute where music is concerned.  Still, so was the old man in his youth.  I suppose you can train your ears to distinguish one note from another.”  His voice sounded very doubtful.

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