Page 34 of Mistaken Identity
“Would you like me to open the door? Would that help?” he asked.
“Yes,” I answered immediately.
He didn’t get up to open the door, and my eyes narrowed.
He looked at his watch.
“The last ten minutes I want you to tell me what happened to make you afraid of men,” he urged.
“That’s a long story, and it’ll take more than ten minutes,” I pointed out.
“I have lunch after this, so no rush,” he offered.
I crossed my arms over my chest, feeling my purse press against my stomach.
The gun that I had concealed in my purse was at easy reach.
I could kill this man before he’d even gotten out of his chair.
I’d practiced withdrawing my gun from my purse so many times, and firing my weapon, that I had full confidence in my abilities.
“I was raped by the captain of the football team in high school,” I said through gritted teeth, calming slightly with the purse and my gun so close.
A shriek from the hallway had us both turning to glance in the direction.
A calming voice, one that I knew very well, could be heard.
Then there was a commotion in the office beyond the psychiatrist’s door.
The doctor got up and walked toward the office, a frown marring his face.
I waited for him to open the door and walk out before I followed, making sure to scoot far away from the doctor as I took in the scene.
“I’m sorry,” Audric blurted. “But I saw your car in the lot, and…”
He looked helplessly at me, and I softened.
I walked toward Lottie, who was the one behind all the screaming, and pulled her into my arms.
“Hey, pretty girl,” I cooed. “What’s wrong?”
Lottie didn’t stop screaming, but she did give Audric the breath he needed to take to calm down.
“Ahh, we still have ten minutes,” the doctor said.
“It’s fine, I’ll still pay you for the full time.” I smiled.
“Okay.” The doctor nodded. “I’ll make the appointment before you leave.”
“No, no. That’s okay, thank you. I’ll call and make one,” I lied.
I wouldn’t be calling to make one.
This guy gave me the creeps, and I realized my mistake.
I should’ve found a woman who could listen to my issues.
I’d instantly be more comfortable and could handle myself better, while also feeling more in control.
