Page 11 of Sins of Leo

She didn’t pry into the details. His job with the police wasn’t her business, but she did wonder why this particular case proved enough to break his cycle. “This is a good first step. What about once you’ve completed your current investigation? Are you planning to stay sober?”

“I’d like to.”

“Have you given thought of joining an AA group?”

He laughed. “No.”

“Why not?”

“Because, until yesterday, I didn’t want to quit.”

She’d opened her mouth to ask a question when her buzzer went off. Her lips pursed. Now what? She still had half an hour until her next session.

“Guess my turn is over.”

“No. Whoever rang doesn’t have an appointment. I have a plaque in the waiting room that clearly explains they need to call and make one.”

He swung his legs off the lounge and sat up. “Do you often get people walking in?”

“No. I work mainly by referral and have no need to advertise, hence the lack of sign outside.”

He rose and went to the door, placing his ear against it.

“You won’t hear anything unless they shout,” she advised. “The room is soundproofed.”

He glanced around. “Do you have an exit from your office that doesn’t lead to the waiting area?”

“Yes. Since I don’t like patients to run into each other, they leave at the rear.” She indicated the door leading to the alley. “No one will see you when you depart.”

“Wasn’t worried about that,” he muttered as he went to the window behind her desk and peeked out.

“What’s wrong?” she asked, noticing his tense body posture.

“There’s someone in the alley.”

“It’s an oft-used shortcut,” she remarked. She didn’t mention the fact that many used the alley to do drugs.

“They’re trying to open your door.”

“It happens, hence why the rear entrance is always locked.”

“A lock won’t stop them if they’re determined. You don’t have cameras.” Stated, not asked.

She shook her head. “No, although I was thinking of getting some.”

The handle on the office door turned as someone tried to open it.

Rude. She shouted, “Whoever is out there, I’m currently conducting a session. Please call to make an appointment.”

No reply, but Leo’s frown deepened. “You shouldn’t have let them know you were in here.”

“It’s probably just someone looking to book my services.”

“At the same time as someone is trying to come in through the rear?” He snorted. “You’re being naïve.”

At his rebuke, Ruth’s lips pinched. “More likely you’re being paranoid.”

“You’re in danger,” he stated with utter seriousness.

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