As the Cookie Crumbles by Amanda M. Lee

Author:Amanda M. Lee [Lee, Amanda M.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: WinchesterShaw Publications
Published: 2023-10-09T16:00:00+00:00

16

SIXTEEN

I’d never been to see a court-ordered therapist before and couldn’t contain my surprise when we ended up outside a nondescript brick building in Bellaire.

“Why isn’t the therapist in the county building?”

Hunter’s eyebrows moved toward one another. “I’m not sure what you mean.”

“On television, a therapist would be in the county building … or even another floor in the courthouse. This is boring.”

Hunter’s lips swished. “I’m sorry you find real police work boring.”

“You didn’t make the decision.”

He chuckled. “At least your sense of humor is coming back. I was worried there for a bit when you went silent after we left the town square.”

“I’m not traumatized,” I assured him.

“Really? Because I am.”

“You are?”

He nodded. “She was stalking you, and I didn’t notice. How can I claim to be a good cop if I didn’t realize my own girlfriend was being stalked?”

“It’s not your fault. Also, I’m fairly certain she was stalking us.”

He shook his head. “As much as my ego would like to protest otherwise, you’re the one she’s obsessed with. She may use me as an excuse, but it’s all you.”

That was a sobering thought. “Why?”

“Maybe her therapist can answer that.”

“I thought therapists couldn’t rat on their clients.”

“This is different,” Hunter replied. “She was ordered to talk to this therapist. Regular reports are filed. We might luck out.”

Hunter led the way inside the building. We went up the stairs to the second floor. The name on the door read Audra McKinley, and when we walked into the office, I was surprised to find a homey and welcoming atmosphere in the small reception area.

“May I help you?” the woman behind the desk asked. She was young—not yet twenty-five if I had to guess—and it was impossible to miss the way her appreciative gaze roamed up and down Hunter.

“I’m Hunter Ryan,” he replied, withdrawing his badge from his belt and flashing it. “I need to talk to Ms. McKinley.”

“May I ask what this is referring to?” the clerk asked primly. If she was disappointed Hunter wasn’t checking her out in kind, she didn’t show it.

“One of her court-ordered clients. Phoebe Green.”

“Is this an emergency?”

Hunter hesitated, then nodded. “I’m pretty sure it is. Ms. Green is missing, and we’re trying to ascertain if she ran or has been kidnapped.”

“I would say that’s an emergency.” The receptionist beamed at him before picking up the phone. “Just give me a few minutes.”

Hunter and I wandered away from the desk, and I studied some of the abstract art on the walls as we waited. It didn’t take long before we were ushered into the inner office.

Audra McKinley was a tall woman, pushing six feet, and her hair was a bright auburn as it swept over her shoulders. She wore the sort of suit I’d become familiar with when I was in regular contact with the publishing industry. Her smile was warm and at the ready as Hunter stepped forward.

“You’re here about Phoebe Green?” she asked. “That was fast.”

Hunter shook her hand, but his confusion was evident.

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