Page 41 of Unhinged

Hannah blushed. “A little. I was just… tired of blending in with the walls.”

“Good for you. I, for one, am glad to see the last of those frumpy suits.” With a glance at her watch, Fiona patted Hannah’s hand and rose to her feet. “Your first appointment begins in twenty minutes. I’ll let you get settled.”

Grateful for the reprieve, Hannah moved to one of the large windows. Bright morning light spilled onto the floor, and she stepped into the rectangular shaft. She gazed out over the city bustling below, watching as people went about their day.

She knew that Luke had been hired through a group called Vantage Security. She’d vaguely remembered seeing the logo on the chest of that God-awful shirt she’d cried into just over a week ago. The memory made her smile and, just as quickly, it slid from her face.

She knew nothing about him. His job here was only temporary. Once his post was up, where would he go? For that matter, where did he live? Would he travel all over the state on different security details, just disappear from her life as if he’d never existed?

Voices in the outer office drew her attention, and she knew her first appointment of the day had arrived. A glance at the clock on the wall told her they were almost fifteen minutes early. Eager to do something other than ruminate on what might, or might not, happen with Luke, she invited the first patients—Mr. and Mrs. Walters—into the office with a smile.

Three excruciating hours later, she sat back in her chair and rubbed her temples. She felt as if she’d been through an emotional wringer, and she hadn’t even reached the pinnacle of the day yet. Already, she’d had to play referee during several altercations between Mr. and Mrs. Walters, and console two weeping patients—one of whom was Mrs. Walters herself, as well as her second patient of the day, Mr. Norris.

On the cusp of retirement, Philip Norris was apparently having his two-thirds life crisis. They’d had a progressive half hour before he’d broken down and sobbed uncontrollably for the remainder of their session.

Hannah empathized with the man. She worried too, occasionally, that she’d end up in his shoes—more than halfway through life, all alone. On days like these, she longed to have someone to go home to, someone who would welcome her with open arms, cuddle her close and kiss away the sadness.

Along with that train of thought came the memory of Luke’s eyes burning into hers this morning. She let out a heavy sigh. So much for pushing him from her mind. Pulling open the bottom drawer of her desk, she extracted her purse and locked up her files before striding into the reception area. Fiona was watering the plants near the windows and turned to her with a smile.

“All done for the day, Doctor?”

Hannah nodded. “Here, anyway. I still have to go to the police department, then stop by the hospital and check on Audrey.”

Fiona affected a sympathetic look. “Would you like some company?”

Touched by the offer, Hannah smiled. “I couldn’t ask that of you. Besides, I have no idea how long it will take.”

“All right,” she conceded, “but if you need anything at all, just let me know.”

“I appreciate it. And thank you again.” Hannah cleared her throat. “Especially for the advice.”

Fiona departed with a wink, and Hannah stood there for a moment, considering everything she’d said. It made perfect sense; now all Hannah had to do was find the courage to follow through with it.

CHAPTER

EIGHTEEN

Hannah's heart raced with anticipation as she made her way down to the lobby. Would she catch a glimpse of Luke, or was he busy making rounds?

The elevator doors slid open, and she stepped from the small compartment, already scanning the large open area. Disappointment settled in her stomach when she realized the room was empty.

She had just reached the front door when footsteps echoed in the hallway to the left, and Luke rounded the corner. His steps hitched, and she froze with one hand on the door. Their eyes locked across the room, tethered by some invisible connection that seemed to go soul-deep.

Her hand dropped from the door, and she took a step toward him just as Raúl called Luke’s name from the security office. His eyes darted to the left, then flicked immediately back to her. He held her gaze for another moment before nodding, and she released a sigh as he turned away and strode toward the building manager. Maybe there was hope, after all. He hadn’t looked upset or angry—he’d just been his normal, intense self.

Nearly half an hour later, she found herself glancing around the bustling police department downtown. The harried-looking officer waved her over to the enclosed desk and spoke through the glass. “What can I help with, ma’am?”

“Hello.” She shifted uncomfortably on her feet as she introduced herself. “I’m looking for Mister, um, Detective Sanchez.”

The officer nodded and pressed a button to unlock the door. “Come on in, he’s expecting you. Have a seat, and he’ll be out in just a minute.”

“Thank you.” Pulling open the steel door, she entered the room and took a seat in one of the hard, blue plastic chairs lining the hallway.

She hugged her purse as she glanced around the busy space. The incessant ringing of phones and sounds of shuffling papers filled the air, countered by the din of low voices. Several long moments later, a short, dark-skinned man with graying hair rounded the corner, and she recognized him from their previous interactions.

“Dr. Whitmore, how are you today?” He held out a hand as he approached, and she slipped her palm into his for a quick shake.

“Fine, thank you. How are you?”