Edge of Melancholy

By Marie Jem

It is said that honesty is the best policy. But what if the truth can hurt the one you love? What if the truth can cause more sorrow than joy? Claire has done a pretty good job at keeping a secret from Alex that could tear him apart from someone close to him, but how long can she hang onto a secret that is bound to be discovered one day?

Claire continues to have persistent nightmares from a horrific event that continues to haunt her memory day by day. Although she has overcome most of her fears and learned to trust once again, the past doesn’t want to release its claws or offer closure.

Just when everything seems to be going well for Claire and Alex, tragedy strikes, derailing their emotions and leaving little consolation. Will they find their happily ever after, or will the nightmares from the past continue to torment them forever?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Marie Jem
• Release date: Aug 2, 2016
• ISBN: 9781311286178

Marie Jem

Marie Jem was born in Yerevan, Armenia and migrated to the United States at the age of two. She currently resides in Los Angeles, California with her husband and two children. She enjoys writing romance with a twist of mystery and suspense. Marie also enjoys reading, yoga, and traveling. Marie is the author of the Crashing Waves series, which takes you on a journey through the life of a young woman with a dark past, who falls in love with a surgeon from the hospital in which she works. Although fiction, Marie's books are very much relatable to real life. Those who read Marie's books are taken on a roller coaster ride of every emotion possible by her characters.

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EDGE OF MELANCHOLY

By

Marie Jem

Smashwords Edition

Copyright© 2016 by Marie Jem

Table of Contents

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Chapter 20

Chapter 21

Chapter 22

Chapter 23

Chapter 24

Chapter 25

Prologue

Chapter 1

Emerging slowly out of the deep sleep I was in, I found myself snuggled warmly next to Alex, who slept so soundly. I watched his chest rise and fall with every breath he took, looking so peaceful and comfortable. Continuing to watch him sleep, I examined his strong jawline and full, luscious lips.

When I gathered my thoughts, I realized it was a weekday. Why was Alex still in bed after six o’clock in the morning? He always left before I even woke up. I began to panic as I shook him and woke him up.

Alex, wake up. You slept in.

Hmm? He didn’t seem to care as he continued to sleep.

I shook him again. Alex, you have surgery. You’re late for work.

He smiled as he opened his eyes slowly. Why was he so nonchalant about being late to work? It wasn’t like Alex to sleep in and not care.

I’m not late, baby. I scheduled my day to begin a little late so I could spend more time with you, he said, pulling me to him as I rested my head on his chest. He played with my hair, running his fingers ever so gently through the strands.

After snuggling and making love, we showered together, dressed, and headed downstairs to eat breakfast before leaving for work.

We decided to carpool, since we were both headed to work at the same time, which was a rare occasion. Alex drove my car as I made myself comfortable in the passenger seat. With one hand on the steering wheel and the other holding mine, his smile was as bright as ever. I was reminded of how happy he made me and how glad I was that things were good between us again. After having gone through so much heartbreak, it was refreshing to have that beautiful engagement ring back on my finger. I vowed never to remove it.

Traffic was horrid that morning – worse than ever. I was glad we decided to carpool. I would definitely lose my mind if I had to drive in that stop-and-go situation all by myself.

An hour and thirty minutes later, Alex parked the car in the employee parking structure of Downtown Memorial Hospital. He killed the engine and came around to my side of the car and opened the door for me.

I wished we could do this every day. Hand in hand we walked toward the building before we were honked at by the car behind us. I didn’t even need to turn around to see who it was. The sound of the loud engine confirmed it was Taryn’s new banana yellow Ferrari.

Hi there! she shouted. The top was down and it looked like she had really enjoyed a warm morning drive in her hot new car. Wait for me. I’ll walk with you guys.

She put the top back up and came out of the car wearing a short tight black skirt and a yellow and black top with a plunging neckline. The yellow in her top matched her car exactly. She stood on five inch black stilettos, enhancing the length of her legs and attracting more attention to the tattoo around her ankle.

Good morning, Taryn, Alex greeted. How do you like the Ferrari?

It drives like a dream, she replied, removing her dark sunglasses and batting her eyelashes at him like a schoolgirl with a crush on a celebrity. But you should know that, since you have one too.

The hospital building felt unusually cold as we entered. The warm weather outside and the freezing temperature inside was a recipe for illness.

Alex gave me a quick kiss at the elevators, since he and Taryn needed to ride up to their departments. My office was on the first floor, so I continued my walk on my own.

As I approached my office, I noticed they had finally put up a sign on the wall next to my door that read:

Claire Morgan

Vice President

Business Services

That made my morning. I had been working in a nameless office since I was promoted and couldn’t wait to have my name next to that door.

Good morning, Boss, Laney said. It looks nice, huh? she said, handing me a cup of coffee. I had never asked Laney for coffee, but she insisted she make a cup for me every morning and I didn’t decline.

It’s perfect, I smiled, pulling out my keys from my purse to unlock the door. It was warm and cozy inside my office, unlike the other areas in the building. I took a seat at my desk and immediately began working.

Time seemed to fly by and before I knew it, it was past noon. I heard a familiar voice outside my office and realized it was Taryn.

Knock knock, she appeared, knocking softly on the open door. I kinda like the way your ring looks on me, she said, flashing her hand in front of me. Why did she have a ring on her finger that was identical to mine? Wait, it was my ring because mine wasn’t on my finger. When did that ring get off of my finger? How did it get off my finger? I was admiring it in the car in the morning while Alex drove.

I must have blinked a million times to clear my vision because I was positive I didn’t take it off and would have known if someone had taken it. I knew what was happening. I was losing my mind. That had to be it. Next, I would be admitted to the psychiatric ward and that would be the end of Alex and me.

Why the hell was I so pessimistic?

How… when…why is my ring on your finger, Taryn? I asked.

Alex gave it to me. She smiled like a little girl who had just been kissed by the boy she had a crush on.

"Alex gave it to you?" She was insane. Alex would never give her such a thing.

Let’s take a walk, she said, heading out of my office.

I followed her because after all, she had my beautiful Canary yellow diamond ring on her finger, which she didn’t have any intention of returning. My heart was racing as I sped up to reach her.

Where are we going? I asked.

To see Alex. I followed her across the street to the clinic. We took the elevator up and headed toward Alex’s office. There was no receptionist at the desk, so we just barged into the clinic and entered his office. He wasn’t there.

He’s not here, I said, my voice shaky.

He’s here. He’s probably seeing a patient, she smiled, taking a seat on the loveseat and crossing her legs. Her skirt was so short, I was surprised I didn’t see her vagina.

She gestured for me to take a seat next to her, but I declined. I think I’ll stand.

Moments later, Alex came into his office, surprised to see us waiting for him. He took a long look at Taryn and sighed. You told her?

Told me what? Why is my ring on her finger, Alex? And please tell me you didn’t put it there.

He shook his head. I can’t lie to you, Claire. I gave it to her, he confessed.

Is this a joke? I asked.

He took my hands into his. No, it’s not a joke. I just didn’t know how else to tell you, baby. He was serious. The look in his eyes were more serious than ever. How long has this been going on?

I pulled my hands away abruptly. Don’t. Call. Me. Baby.

Taryn stood up and began to speak. Look Clai-

Shut up. I didn’t want to hear another word from her. Or him. How could he do this to me? Why? Everything was perfect and we were so happy. I began to cry, tears pouring out of my eyes like a faucet, streaming down my cheeks like a raging river. I couldn’t breathe. I began to hyperventilate and panic set in like never before.

No. No, no, no, no, no! I shouted.

He put his hands on my shoulders and shook me. It’s okay, baby. It’s going to be okay. It’s only a dream. I opened my eyes to find Alex sitting up in bed next to me, comforting me.

It was a dream? I asked, looking around to confirm I wasn’t in his office with Taryn next to me and my ring was on my finger. It took a few moments for me to realize it was indeed a dream. A nightmare.

Just a nightmare, baby. Did you dream about the white van again? he asked.

No. I wish. It was worse than that, I replied.

Worse? How?

Just hold me for a few minutes before you have to get up, please. Just then his alarm went off. Snooze it for a few minutes and hold me, I pleaded. I put my head on his chest, his arms around me, and listened to his heartbeat.

What did you dream about? he asked, combing my hair with his fingers and planting a kiss on the top of my head.

I told him all about it and he couldn’t stop laughing at how silly it was. I began to laugh with him after my heart calmed down and I realized it was all a stupid dream. The snooze didn’t last long and he had to get up at the crack of dawn as usual.

I would love to stay in bed with you all day, but patients need surgery, he kissed me before getting out of bed. We’ll continue this tonight, he winked and headed into the shower.

There was no way I would be able to go back to sleep. I didn’t want to even attempt falling asleep in case the dream continued. I stripped out of my camisole and panties and followed Alex into the shower immediately after he headed in.

Why wait until tonight when we can have a quickie right now? I stood in front of him as the water ran down the back of his neck onto his chest. He cooled down the scorching hot water just a bit, since he wasn’t showering alone. Grabbing the back of my head, he pressed his wet lips against mine. I immediately felt him become hard against my pelvis.

He slid two fingers into me and realized how wet and ready I was. He lifted me up, my legs wrapped around him as he eased himself into me. He pressed me against the wall as he pounded into me. You feel so damn good, he said, kissing me hard.

It felt so good to know he really loved me and wanted me after that horrible dream – like it was reassuring. I wanted the shower sex to last forever and then continue into the bedroom, but I knew Alex had to get to work. I arched my back and moved with him until I exploded into an orgasm. Alex followed after just a few thrusts, groaning with his lips still pressed against mine.

<><><>

The rest of the morning was very different from my dream. Alex and I did not carpool, since he left the house at least an hour before me. I didn’t run into Taryn Simmonds and her banana yellow Ferrari. Actually, I didn’t see Taryn at all. I figured she was probably with her mother who was very ill with cancer.

When I arrived at my office however, I did notice my name on the wall next to my office:

Claire Morgan

Vice President

Business Services

Laney handed me a cup of coffee and I began my day. Taryn didn’t show up at my office with my ring on her finger. It was Jason who showed up just before noon and asked if he could take a seat.

Sure, I said, gesturing for him to sit down. He looked so fashionable in his charcoal gray suit and blue Louis Vuitton tie. His hair was just the right amount of messy, giving him the perfect surfer look he wore so well.

How are you? he asked, sinking into the chair. His eyes were genuine and sincere.

I’m good, Jason. And you?

Okay, let’s cut the formal crap. How is everything with you and Alex?

It’s great. How is everything with you and Salvador?

We’re working on it, he looked away. I had a feeling there was still trouble in paradise with his boyfriend. Jason Hartley hadn’t fully come out of the closet yet. His colleagues thought he was a womanizer, but he wasn’t into women at all.

So, when are you going to let everyone know about the real you? I asked.

I…uh…told a few people already. He shifted in his seat. Look, I’m so sorry about all that happened. I hope you can forgive me. You can’t imagine how difficult it is to come from a very religious Mormon family and tell them you’re homosexual. My parents wouldn’t understand. They’d try to change me and when they realized they couldn’t, they’d disown me. I’ve been gay since I realized I had crushes on boys instead of girls in grade school. When I moved to California, I found some freedom, he confessed.

I understand, Jason. Calvin didn’t come out to us until recently. I guess I just wanted to find out from you. I feel like we were so close, yet you couldn’t confide in me, I confessed. But I forgive you and I’m glad things can be normal again.

So, any information on who may have taken those photos? he asked.

I shook my head. Not yet. I’m suspecting Aracely and Maggie may have something to do with it. I told him about overhearing them gossiping about me before the three-day conference where Jason was so drunk he kissed me.

They’re bitches. Ugly bitches at that, he laughed.

You know, I heard a door slam near the stairs once when I was walking back and forth from your room to mine. Whoever it was probably saw me coming out of the room and ran off, I recalled.

Hmm…interesting. Alright babes, he said, standing up. I gotta jet before Bertha finds me in here and murders me.

I realized I had to rush to a meeting in Administration. I slipped on my shoes, which I had taken off under my desk to rest my feet, and headed out of my department toward the elevators. Once I got to the elevator, I realized I had forgotten my phone in my office. I turned around quickly, ready to charge back to my office when I bumped into someone and spilled iced coffee all over my ivory silk blouse. I looked up to apologize for my clumsiness. It was James – my ex-boyfriend James!

Oh no. You again. We have to stop bumping into each other like this, I said, taking the napkins he handed me and dabbing the cold coffee as best as I could.

Hey, he smiled. I didn’t know you work here, he eyed my badge. Vice President? What?

It’s good to see you, too, I replied sarcastically.

Vice President of Business Services. I should have never let her go, he said to himself.

I can hear you, James. What are you doing here?

My grandmother is having surgery. They’re taking out her uterus or something, he shrugged. I wasn’t surprised that he spoke of his grandmother’s surgery so nonchalantly and carelessly.

I hope she recovers quickly. I will place a call to make sure she’s well taken care of, I said, still trying to clean the coffee off of my blouse. I’m sorry, James. I was in a hurry to run back to my office for my phone. I didn’t see you behind me, I apologized.

No worries. Hey, I’ll walk you to your office. I’d love to see where the Vice President works, he chuckled.

I walked back to my office, James following me. Laney was surprised to see me come back so soon, since I was already running late for the meeting.

Hey, Boss, she greeted. The meeting’s not over already is it? she joked. Then her eyes shifted to James, who stood tall, lean, yet very built from all the heavy workouts from his football playing days.

No, I just ran into an old friend of mine from college – literally. This is James. James, this is Laney, I introduced the two. Laney looked as though she was enjoying the sight. James seemed to take a liking to her as well. I forgot my phone in my office. I headed into my office and grabbed it.

I let Laney and James know they could continue to chat all they wanted, but I had to run up to the meeting. They didn’t seem to hear or notice anything. They were caught up in a conversation.

James, I need your grandmother’s full name so I could ask for VIP care when she’s in the recovery unit.

Harrington. Barbara Harrington, he said without taking his eyes away from Laney.

Thanks.

<><><>

After the meeting was over, I headed to the recovery unit to put in a good word for James’s grandmother. I walked by Taryn’s office, but her door was closed. I walked down the corridor and asked one of the nurses if Taryn was still out.

I’m not sure if she’s on vacation or medical leave. She never told us she was going to be out and we don’t know when she’s coming back, she said.

I wrote down James’s grandmother’s name on a post-it note and asked her to let the other nurses know she was a family friend of mine.

No worries. I will let the others know and we will take great care of her.

Thank you.

When I returned to my office, Laney had left a note on my desk letting me know that she went out to lunch with James and would be back soon. I wasn’t sure if it was a good idea for my assistant to be hanging out with my ex-boyfriend. I hoped James had changed because if he is anything like he was when we were together, then Laney would have one big broken heart. I decided to let things be. Who was I to judge or tell people who they could or couldn’t have lunch with?

Laughter filled the department and I recognized it as Laney’s. You are so funny, James. Thanks for lunch.

You’re very welcome. So, when can I see you again? he asked.

Oh great. He wanted to see her again.

How about dinner Friday night? she asked. She wasn’t shy at all.

I’ll be in touch with you, he said. Then there was silence and I could swear I heard a kiss. Oh, the audacity!

I can’t wait to hear from you, beautiful.

James must have left because Laney came into my office and pretend fainted into the chair. He had that effect on women, so I wasn’t surprised. I was more worried than anything. He was bad news. I prayed he wouldn’t break her heart like he did mine.

Did you have a nice lunch? I asked.

Nice is an understatement. This must be my lucky day. I can’t believe you didn’t snatch him in college.

Let’s just say he slept around back then. I wasn’t into those kind of guys, I said.

Laney wrinkled her nose. I hope he doesn’t sleep around now.

People change. I’m sure he’s changed, I assured her, but had a hard time believing it was possible for James to become Prince Charming after the way he had treated me when I needed him most.

I hope so, she said and skipped on over to her desk. I could see her reading something on her cell phone and smiling big. It must have been a text message from James. Poor Laney had no idea what she was getting herself into.

It wasn’t Laney’s lucky day; it was mine. When I realized how fortunate I was to be with Alex instead of James, my day brightened up. I had an extra hop in my step and work came so easily. I was finally able to interpret the ideas that had been stirring in my brain for weeks into a presentation and emailed it to Jack. My office phone rang a few minutes later.

Can you present this at the Director’s meeting on Friday morning? It didn’t take Jack long to respond to the email.

Sure. Do you like it?

Like it? I love it. Your ideas are very cost-effective and the hospital will have a chance to make even more money. See you Friday.

Phew! I was glad to be doing my job right. During the breakup I went through with Alex, I feared the worst – losing the position I was given because I was unable to focus clearly on my work due to my emotional upset. It was my lucky day. Not Laney’s. I was back in business.

I didn’t realize what time it was until my phone beeped with a text message.

Hey, baby. It’s past 8. Where are you?

I had emerged myself so deeply into my work that I hadn’t realized how late it had gotten and how dark it was outside.

Leaving now. Got so busy that I lost track of time.

I found Alex in the kitchen, the aroma of Italian food filling my condo. He was mixing the homemade dressing for the salad when I walked into the kitchen. I loved coming home to a fresh meal almost every night after a long day at work. Alex had much crazier days at work than I did. Being a plastic reconstructive surgeon, he spent every morning in the operating room and every afternoon he saw patients at the clinic across the street. He still made time to come home and make something delicious for us to eat.

Alex had a passion for the restaurant business. It was a dream of his to be a restaurant owner, but his family was against that. Coming from a family of physicians and surgeons, it was frowned upon to be anything less. His sister, Melissa, had been brave enough to pursue her love for the fashion industry. Since Richard and Isabelle Blake had sworn to be of no help to her in her pursuit, Alex had been more than happy to provide her with enough money to make her dreams come true.

Their proud grandfather had left Alex a large sum of money in his will for following in his footsteps and becoming the prestigious surgeon that he is. Melissa wasn’t a part of that generous will, so that’s when Alex stepped in and helped her turn her dream into a reality.

Smells delicious in here. I wrapped my arms around him from behind as he continued to work on the dressing.

I was getting worried about you. He turned around and kissed me softly as he leaned against the countertop, pulling me to him.

There was a lot going on today, I replied, my gaze locked on his electric blue eyes.

Let’s eat before it gets cold. There’s going to be a lot going on between you and me later. He cupped my breast with one hand and grabbed my ass with the other.

Yes, doctor, I grinned.

<><><>

You’re very quiet tonight, Alex noted as I spun my fork around the pasta.

I’m sorry. I guess I just have a lot on my mind with work and all, I replied.

Leave work at work. You’re home now.

I needed to tell Alex about James. If he heard it from someone else, he would be livid. Especially now that Laney and James were going to see each other again, all I needed was for Alex to run into James unexpectedly.

I ran into James today in the hospital, I blurted.

James? The James you used to date? he asked.

Yeah. I literally ran into him, hence the coffee stains I couldn’t get off, I pointed to my blouse. I told Alex everything – the reason James was there and how he and Laney hit it off so well and would be going out again.

He put down his napkin, looking as annoyed as ever. Did you tell Laney about him?

No. I didn’t. I couldn’t. She’s free to date him if she wants. What if they’re right for each other, Alex? I don’t want to be the psycho ex-girlfriend who tries to break things up with whomever he’s with. Besides, I don’t want him to get the wrong idea.

So what now? He’s going to come around all the time?

His grandmother had surgery, that’s why he was there today. He won’t come around after she’s discharged.

I will see to it that he doesn’t, he assured.

I put my fork down and chugged down the wine Alex had poured. His eyes widened. Easy there.

I went upstairs to change out of my soiled and stained clothes. I heard Alex enter the bedroom when I was only in my bra and panties. He unclasped my bra, cupping my breasts with his hands and his kisses trailed from the nape of my neck up to my ear lobes. My breathing quickened with every warm kiss.

My breasts felt hot, my nipples hard and ready. His hand traveled down inside my panties. He rubbed my clit for a while before he slipped his fingers inside. In and out they moved as the moisture increased until I was oozing wet and ready for him to be inside me.

I’ve been thinking about you all day, he whispered in my ear. Been thinking about how badly I want to make you come. He removed his fingers and turned me around to face him. He lifted me up and laid me down on the bed. His tongue was between my legs before I knew it. I threw back my head and arched my back as his hot tongue pushed its way inside me.

My heart began to race, my sex throbbing. Oh, Alex! His tongue moving in and out and his thumb rubbing against my clit threw me into another universe. I convulsed around his hot tongue, grabbing his hair as I came hard. My body surrendered to him like never before.

He undressed swiftly and was on top of me in no time. He pressed his chest against my breasts. You tasted so fucking good, he said, kissing me hard as he entered inside of me. He moved so slowly at first, savoring every second. I lifted my hips in response to his thrusts.

He was like an electric current rushing through my body. The look in his eyes was soft, genuine, and full of love. I felt him grow bigger inside me, filling me with the massive length of his erection. He pumped into me hard and fast. I felt his warm breath against my lips. My fingernails dug into his back as he kept up his quick thrusts.

I felt myself grow hot and sweaty as I began to pant. I was so close yet so far. Every time I felt like I was going to climax, he slowed down.

You’re killing me, Alex!

I want you to enjoy every second.

He turned me over on all fours and entered me again, pumping into me so hard. I tightened myself, feeling him kissing me up and down my back, his fingers rubbing against my clit as he pushed harder and deeper into me. A few more thrusts threw me into a spiraling orgasm. I convulsed around him as he kept going until he spilled into me.

I laid there on my stomach as he propped himself on his elbow and laid next to me, playing with my hair. You should take a nap, baby. I have a feeling I’m going to want to do that again and again. You’re going to need all your energy.

Chapter 2

When I arrived at work the following morning, security was outside of the department. It looked like they were setting up a scanner for badge entry. I had a feeling Alex was highly involved in this new security function.

Good morning, Miss Morgan, said Malcolm, head of security.

Good morning to you, too. What’s all this?

He secured the scanner tightly to the wall. This will keep strangers out of the department and add more privacy. Could I see your badge so I can activate it?

Sure. I reached into my bag and retrieved my badge.

Does Dr. Blake have anything to do with this fancy new function?

He hesitated for a moment. This is long overdue, actually. People shouldn’t be able to just walk into the department without badge access.

You didn’t answer my question, Malcolm, I reminded him.

Dr. Blake is only concerned about your safety and I’m just doing my job, he tipped his head.

I patted him on the shoulder. You do a great job, Malcolm. I feel very safe with you around.

I tested my badge again, which unlocked the door so I could enter into the department and head to my office. Laney was seated at her desk with my cup of coffee next to her. She jumped up when she saw me.

Here’s your coffee, Boss. Guess what? she asked, with a twinkle in her eye that I knew had something to do with James.

Thanks, I smiled, taking the hot cup of fresh coffee from her. Let me guess, I rubbed my chin. James called you.

Yes! she exclaimed. We’re going out Friday night. Oh, and not only did he call me, we talked for three hours. We have so much in common, she beamed like a lovesick teenager.

That’s great, I said, with a hesitant smile on my face. I didn’t want to give anything away. Laney would see his true colors sooner or later. She was a bright girl with a good head on her shoulders.

The second I entered my office, the phone rang. Hi Jason, I answered.

Good morning. Taryn’s back. I just saw her. She was visiting her mother who passed away from cancer.

Oh, that’s terrible. Thanks for letting me know.

I called Laney into my office and asked her to have condolence flowers delivered to Taryn from Alex and me. Taryn had mentioned that she wasn’t very close to her mother. I wonder now that her mother has passed if she wishes they had a better relationship while she was alive and well.

That afternoon, I went to Taryn’s office to give her my condolences and let her know I’m here if she needs to talk. She was dressed in all black. Her breasts were completely covered, which was highly unusual for her. She wore long pants instead of the short skirts she wore on a regular basis. I noticed the beautiful bouquet that Laney had ordered in the morning.

I’m really sorry to hear about your mother, I began.

Thank you, Claire. These flowers are beautiful. My mother loved flowers, she smiled. I also noticed it says from you and Alex on the card. Is there something I should know?

We’re back together, I replied.

That’s wonderful, she said in a whisper. So happy for you two.

Thanks Taryn. Please let me know if you need anything or if you just want to talk.

Just as I was about to leave, Mark Kohler showed up. Hey girls. You doing okay, babe? he asked Taryn.

She nodded, Yeah, everything is good. Look at these beautiful flowers from Claire and Alex. Isn’t it great news that they’re back together?

His grin made me uncomfortable. That’s wonderful. His grin turned into a crooked smile as he reeked of the same cologne that was on the anonymous letters I’d been receiving for months. I wanted to confront him so badly, but I held back.

I’ll see you two later. I have a lot of work to catch up on, I said and headed back to my office.

Laney looked like she was on the phone with James again. Her smile never vanished from her face, revealing all her teeth. She looked like a schoolgirl in love for the first time. When she saw me, she wrapped up the conversation. Sorry, I have to get to work now. Call me later.

Hi Laney.

I was talking to J-

James.

Yeah, she chuckled. You can tell, huh?

Yes, Laney. You totally light up when you talk to him. It’s a dead giveaway.

I headed into my office and found a pastrami sandwich and a salad on my desk. Alex had dropped off food for me on his way to the clinic with a note.

I know you’re busy, but you gotta eat. Love you.

Laney peeked her head inside. Oh, yeah. Dr. Blake dropped that off for you. He wants to make sure you don’t go hungry.

I