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Vivi nodded. “Impressive.”
“We’re having a team meeting next week to go over some new protocols. I’d like to introduce them to you and Trident. I think they could all use an outlet for their work.”
“You are sucking me into staying here, whether I want to or not.”
Parker grinned. “I believe one of the reasons Trident is so effective is your compassion. Most of us in the field try to have it, but we’re very focused on outcomes. On solutions. We lose some of our empathy along the way. Patients sense that. You make people feel better just by talking.”
Vivi thought it over. “I give them hope. That’s what’s missing from many therapies.”
“I could use a refresher with the hypnosis, but any time you want to give it a try, I’m game.”
Vivi brightened. That would make things easier. Quicker results, she hoped, too, if she didn’t need to spend weeks instructing Parker and having her practice. “And you haven’t already compelled Henley to do your bidding?”
They shared a laugh. “I’ve been tempted, believe me,” Parker said, “but he’s too strong of a personality. Do you think it can unlock your memories?”
“Only one way to find out, right?”
Holding up a finger, Parker glanced over her shoulder again. “Beatrice asked me to bring you a gift. May I?”
Curious, Vivi nodded and pushed off the desk, straining to see what the woman was backtracking to grab. Her breath caught when a large bird cage, covered with a colorful cloth appeared in front of Parker as she entered once more.
Vivi nearly fell to her knees. “Are those my…?”
Parker grinned. “Took a bit to track them down but they’re healthy and happy. Where do you want me to put them?”
Vivi cleared a spot on her desk and slowly removed the material covering the cage. Inside, two sets of dark eyes peered back at her. “Hello, my sweet friends,” she murmured.
Parker peered at the tiny birds. “Parakeets, right?”
Vivi fought back happy tears. “Also known as budgies. They’re quite social and friendly.”
“What are their names?”
“Sherlock and Watson, although Ian always called them Batman and Robin.”
Sherlock perked up, cocking his head and whistling a greeting. Watson hopped up and down on his perch. “Ian,” the bird squawked. “Lord of the Wings!”
Parker laughed. “They can talk?”
Vivi nodded. “Watson often does, and Ian has obviously taught him a few phrases. They were in a rescue after their owner died. I thought I wanted a cat.” She’d been at a low point in her life then. “Instead I walked out with a bonded pair of budgies.”
“Cool,” Parker said, poking a finger in and wiggling it at them. “A bird doesn’t seem like an affectionate pet. What do you do with them?”
Sherlock loved to sing. Watson liked to sit on her shoulder. He often rubbed his head against hers in a display of affection. They’d both brought her so much joy. “That’s just it—they’re low maintenance and you simply let them be birds. They require some exercise, but in general, they’re beautiful and loving and even good with kids.”
“Can we let them out?”
She definitely owed Beatrice a huge favor for tracking them down. “Close the door and we will.”
It took a bit of coaxing, but she managed to get them to venture out onto the desk. They took flight, swooping around with delight. Eventually, Watson landed on the top of the desk and moseyed over. Vivi gently petted his head.
“GenGen,” he said in his bird voice.
“Dr. Gen was what a lot of my patients called me,” she told Parker, “since my first name is—was—Genevieve.”
Parker held out a finger for the bird to examine. “You need a Rock Star codename now.”
“Why? I won’t be in the field. Won’t be here much longer.”
