Page 64 of Missing Marcus

He smiled gratefully as he walked out of the office. Patch leaned against the wall with his arms crossed.

“How did it go?” Patch fell in line with him as he walked down the hall toward the hospital’s exit.

“Didn’t you say it’s confidential?” Knight pushed open the glass door and descended the steps.

“I’m not a talker. I went through shit and the guys on the team stood by me. Claire helped me see the light. I’m trying to pay it forward. I screwed up more times than I can count. I’ve learned having a friend helps. Did you make another appointment?”

“Yeah, I did. You say having a friend will aid me?” Knight unlocked the truck and gripped the handle.

“Yeah. It does,” Patch admitted. “Be warned. If Claire asks you to put something together, pretend ignorance. The woman can deconstruct a child’s toy in ten minutes and it’s irreparable. Trust me, I know.”

“Do you know anyone I can call?” Knight asked as he kept a straight face.

“Me, asshole,” Patch growled as he punched Knight in the arm. “Come on. Let’s grab a beer.”

Smiling, Knight hopped into his vehicle and followed Patch to the facility. The weight on his chest felt a bit lighter, as if he started something in motion. Hopefully, it turned him in the right direction.

32

Claire smiled as Knight walked in and took a seat without overanalyzing it. He felt like a man on a mission. Given time to ponder their last session, he hoped his visits with Claire helped him. Desperate to fix things between him and Gabby, he looked hard at himself and didn’t like what he saw over the last two years.

“Good morning, Knight,” she greeted.

“Hi. Can we get started? I’m anxious to return to the cabin. Today’s Gabby’s and my wedding anniversary. She tossed and turned all night, and I’m worried about her stress. I left her flowers and a note. I kept it friendly. Do you think I should’ve given them to her personally? I forgot last year and I didn’t want her to think I didn’t remember again,” he blurted.

Claire smiled. “If it came from the heart, I’m sure she appreciates them. You seem anxious. Do you feel this way often?”

He shrugged. “I’m nervous about how Gabby will feel about today. It’s not usually this bad.”

Claire set her file down on her desk and walked around, taking a seat on the couch. “Listen to your body, Knight. Close your eyes and tell me how it feels.”

He scowled, not wanting to play games.

She snorted. “You and Patch have things in common. Come on. Do it. Tell me what it’s saying to you.”

Knight clamped his eyes shut as he breathed out an aggravated breath. “I don’t see how this will help.”

“Trust me. I’m sorta of an expert on these things,” she quipped. “Take a deep breath in and let it out.”

He begrudgingly followed her instructions. His blood coursed through his veins at lightning speed. His heart thumped heavily against his chest. His palms felt sweaty and he felt…angry.

“Don’t think. Describe how you feel,” she instructed softly.

“I can feel my blood running through my body. My heart’s racing. My hands appear sweaty and I think this exercise is stupid,” he bit out angrily.

“Open your eyes. How much sleep do you get at night?” she asked as she picked up an empty notepad and made a note.

He shook his head. “I don’t know. Some nights go better than others.”

“How many hours last night?” she pressed.

He frowned at her. “Maybe three or four hours. I heard Gabby moving and I didn’t want to fall asleep in case she needed me…or something.”

“What about the night before?”

He bit his lip in aggravation. “About the same amount.”

“Because of Gabby or something else?”

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