Reckoning - 28. Chapter 28

“Damnit!” Adam yelled, unaware he startled a woman who was walking her dog. “Sorry.” He recognized the woman. “Doctor Grieves?”

“Adam?” she said, picking up her small dog.

“What are you doing here?”

“I’m walking my dog. And you?”

“Oh, I live here.”

“This is your building?”

“Yes. And you?”

“Well, I live nearby.”

“Can I invite you up for a cup of coffee? To talk.”

“I can’t do that. It wouldn’t be professional.”

“Right, I understand.”

“There’s a diner down the street that serves great coffee.”

“Sounds good.”

Adam and Doctor Grieves sat in a booth by a window facing one another. She wasn’t allow to bring her dog in but one waiter took him to the employee’s break room to give him water and a dog treat. They ordered coffee as Dr. Grieves removed a notepad and pencil.

Adam said nothing except ordered the coffee. Dr. Grieves waited until he was ready. Their drinks arrived and Dr. Grieves observed Adam preparing his drink with sugar and cream, stirring it in a hastily manner.

“Adam?”

“Yes.”

“I suspect it’s blended.”

Adam gave her a quizzical eye, then caught he was over stirring his coffee. “Oh sorry, I guess my mind ran elsewhere.”

“Adam, you wanted to talk.”

“Yes.”

“Well, I’m listening.”

“It’s not so much me but my boyfriend.”

“What are your concerns?”

Adam sipped on his drink, finding it still hot. He drummed his fingers on the table before answering. “Patrick has anxieties.”

“Why?”

“He worries I put my life on the line without considering the outcome.”

“Are those his words?”

“Not exactly.”

“Well, in your profession you walk a thin line.”

“Right, but I told him I am being careful.”

“Does he trust you?”

“He assumes I’m winging it.”

“And how did you reassure him?”

“I blurted out my ex said the same thing.”

“How did he take the comparison?”

“Not well.”

“Did he shut down?”

“You can say that.”

“Where is he now?”

“His father summoned him, sending two guys to drive him. So he left with them. Told me he was coming back tomorrow.”

“Well, he must not be too mad.”

“Not mad, hurt. I should have thought before I spoke.”

“You acted in haste?”

“I guess.”

“You can apologize. Call him.”

“I can’t. The police took his phone.”

“Why?”

“Oh, I can’t say; it’s an open case.”

“That’s fine. Maybe you can go to him and surprise him.”

“His father’s not a fan of me dating his son.”

She noted Adam’s response in her notebook. “You mentioned Patrick’s been through a few treacherous conditions?”

“Yes.”

“Well, he could be reflecting his fears onto you.”

“How?”

“Who is always there to save him?”

“Me, and his father,” Adam flinched when he mentioned Raoul.

“He might feel guilt or resentment to always playing the victim. Could it be he wants to be the hero? Your hero.”

Adam contemplated what she said and nodded his head. “Yeah.”

“Just look at it from his view point.”

“Right, that makes sense.”

“Good. Now I need to go.” She rose from the booth, having not touched her drink.

“Right. Thank you for sitting with me.” Adam stood.

“That’s not a problem. I’m glad to help.”

“I’ll take care of the bill.” Adam said.

“All right, then I’ll expect you at your next appointment.”

“I’ll be there.”

Adam returned to his seat and viewed as Dr. Grieves, and her dog continued on their walk.