Page 91 of Wrong Number Right Doctor

Maggie: I liked you better when you were D.

I stare at that.

Marcus says, “You are aware I’m watching you have an entire emotional event in silence.”

I put the phone down again. “She needs someone paying attention to her,” I say.

Marcus’s amusement fades a little. “Medically?”

“Yes.”

“And otherwise?”

I look at him.

He holds up both hands. “Not asking. Merely observing the giant sign on fire above your head.”

“There is no otherwise.”

“That’s very convincing when you keep checking your phone like it contains her vital signs.”

I glance at the file. “Alester’s structure is built around outcome. Not experience.”

Marcus grows quiet. “That sounds like Alester.”

“Yes.”

“And Maggie?”

“She’s trying to manage it.”

“Of course she is.”

Something in his voice makes me look at him.

A knock comes at the door. Laura leans in. “Dr. Price, your eleven thirty is ready.”

“I’ll be there in a minute.”

She leaves.

Marcus stands and picks up his coffee again, then seems to remember the choking and lowers it suspiciously. “Be careful,” he says.

“I am.”

“No. You’re controlled. I said careful.”

I push the file aside. “There’s a difference.”

“Yes. Huge one.” He points toward my phone. “But I guess deep down you know the truth already.”

I say nothing.

He opens the door, then looks back. “For what it’s worth, I still like her.”

“You’ve spoken to her for less than a minute.”

“She told me I specialize in your personality defects. That’s enough.”