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“I need to thank you, Emily,” he suddenly interrupts.
“For what?” I question in return.
“For believing in me.”
When I ask why he would think such thoughts, Eric confides that many don’t. He continues and tells me how grateful he is that his wife pushed him to get help, but admits he never thought it would go anywhere.
“You know it’s my job to help you get better, right?”
“I know that, but you’re not what I expected from a psychologist.” He concludes.
Laughing, I disclose that he’s not the only one who has said that. As Eric rises to leave, I tell him to book another appointment with Mary.
“Can I bring Jasmine with me next week Doc?” Eric asks, turning toward me.
“Of course, you can,” I assure him with a smile. “Always remember, Eric, that just because good people do bad things, it doesn’t make them bad people.”
Smiling in return, he thanks me once more before exiting the room.
“Miss Emily?” A soft voice calls.
Turning toward the sound, I find my receptionist Mary standing in the doorway.
“Yes, Mary,” I reply, gesturing for her to enter.
“I apologize for bothering you, but my daughter has called to advise my grandson has been rushed to the hospital. May I please leave early to join her?”
Without a second thought, I instruct Mary to go and be with her grandson. I only have one more client this afternoon, and then I’m heading home to organize dinner for Hawke. Thanking me, she hurries out of the room, closing the door behind her.
Sitting at my desk, I browse through the folder of my next client only to find it empty, except for personal details. I always wonder whom I’m about to meet when I get a new client. Generally, they are referred to me through word of mouth or the CIA, but I’m unsure how I acquired this next gentleman.
“Emily Proctor,” I answer when my cell rings.
“Emily, Doctor Bouffon here. Are you free to talk?”
“Hello Doctor, yes I have a few minutes to talk,” I advise him.
“Good, good,” he begins. “I have your test results, and I’m pleased to tell you it’s come back positive. Congratulations, my dear girl,” he concludes.
My stunned silence only encourages him to continue. “Please come see me next week.”
“Thank you so much, Doc; your news has brightened my week.” I thank him before ending the call.
Daydreaming about my plans for Hawke this evening and how I will share our wonderful news with him, I don’t notice I have company until a knock at my door disturbs me. Unease washes over me as soon as I rise out of my chair. Dismissing the feeling, I open the door, only to come face to face with a man I’ve been hiding from for the last seventeen years.
“Luciana,” the deep, growly voice I know all too well snarls.
Andres… Stumbling backward, I can’t believe he has found me.
“Now, nowdulce … sweet one, is that any way to greet an oldamigo … friend?”
Shock has me frozen, unable to move, which only encourages Andres to continue.
“We have unfinished business, you, and I. “His voice rumbles, vibrating throughout my body.
The closer he gets to me, the more terrified I become.
“I’ve been searching for you for a very long time, Luciana,” he presses on, circling me.
