“Whatever. Just do it.”
She held his gaze. “Not unless you answer these questions.”
He rolled his eyes. She rarely got such belligerent clients. Usually, people wanted to help themselves. “You didn’t list anything about a family. Are you married, Mr. Perkins?”
“No. Yes. I have a kid, too.”
She typed in his information on her tablet.
“Do you work outside the home?”
He snorted. “I did. Then I got laid off.”
“Why was that?”
“The boss was an asshole. So what if I was late sometimes.”
“Hmm.”
He frowned. “You know what? This is bullshit. I’m goin’.” He bolted up.
“I wish you wouldn’t. You already paid the registration fee which goes toward the first treatment.” And hypnotherapy wasn’t cheap.
“Fuck it.” He got to the doorway of the office then he turned back. “You’ll regret this, Scarlet,” and walked out.
A chill ran down her spine. She was used to some kooky clients in this kind of practice, but not aggressive or nasty ones. She filed away his application in her archives.
A bit later, there was a knock on her open door. She startled. Cary Jacobs was standing before her. He was a big guy, with broad shoulders, but his stance was odd. Somehow, it was aggressive. “Didn’t mean to scare you. You doin’ all right, Ms. Smith?”
“Yes. Why do you ask?”
“The guy that left your office tore out of the parking lot like a bat out of hell.”
“He was a piece of work, Mr. Jacobs.”
“Call me Cary.” He had a broad smile.
“I’m Scarlet.”
“Scarlet. I’ll bet you get a lot of strange people in what you do.”
“Not so strange.”
“Whatever you say. I’ll be going. You take care now.”
“You, too.”
As he walked she realized she was disconcerted by him. He may be keeping an eye on her, but she’d keep one on him, too.
* * *
“That’s a wrap ladies and gentlemen. Fantastic work.” In the balmy sunlight, John gestured to Elise and added, “How about a round of applause for our very talented lead.”
Blushing, she was surprised at the enthusiasm of the cast. Maybe because they were a small group of actors in this film.
“Thank you,” she said, “Let’s give Max Price some kudos too.”
More clapping.
