Blindsided

By Tom Bierdz

Psychiatrist Grant Garrick had it all: a thriving therapy practice, a bright, loving, and beautiful wife, a 15-year-old son filled with potential, and a gorgeous home on acreage overlooking the Puget Sound. Life couldn’t get much better.

Then tragedy struck.

Read the novella, Book 1, the prequel to the Psychiatrist Grant Garrick suspense-thriller series.

Learn why he defies danger and adventures beyond the boundaries of his profession to help solve his patients’ problems.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Tom Bierdz
• Release date: Dec 15, 2017
• ISBN: 9780998364711

Book preview

Table Of Contents

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

Fatal Analysis

1

About The Author

Dedication

Acknowledgments

Also By Tom Bierdz

Blindsided

Copyright © 2017 by Tom Bierdz All rights reserved.

First Edition: February 2017

Cover and Formatting: Streetlight Graphics

No part of this book may be reproduced, scanned, or distributed in any printed or electronic form without permission. Please do not participate in or encourage piracy of copyrighted materials in violation of the author’s rights. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents either are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to locales, events, business establishments, or actual persons—living or dead—is entirely coincidental.

1

I sat in my office, if it could be called that, in my cramped Seattle flat, studying for my psychiatry finals. If I passed, I could begin my private practice and earn some decent money and then we could move out of this crowded, overpriced apartment. My office was also storage for bicycles that belonged to my wife and son, an antique sewing machine, a trunk full of outgrown toys destined for Goodwill, boxes of clothes, knick-knacks, a potpourri of household items, my books, and office supplies. Text books were spread around my computer and desk. The desk was scratched, dented, and carved with a heart and a Cupid’s arrow uniting D.T. & C.J. I didn’t know, nor care who C. J. was; I knew D. T. stood for my wife’s niece.

My long and arduous degree pursuit demanded sacrifice that in some ways was far more difficult for my family.

The downstairs door slammed and I heard nine-year-old, Kevin shoot up the stairs, two at a time, as Hanna yelled, Don’t bother your father. He’s studying for his exams.

Moments later Kevin edged into the room. Can I ask you something?

Of course. I put my book down. What is it?

He stepped inside. How long do you have to go to school? Tim says his Dad don’t have to study.

That depends upon what you want to do with your life.

I’m not going to be a shrink. That takes too long.

Okay.

He started to walk away.

Is that what you came in here for?

Kevin padded back. The principal wants to see you.

Oh? And why would that be?

I got into a fight with Tim.

In class?

In the corridor. Tim took a picture out of my locker and was waving it around.

What was the picture?

A selfie of Susan Hogan that she took on a picnic with her family.

I suspected the photo wasn’t risqué if it was taken at a family event. I assumed Tim was teasing him with it. So you hit him?

He shifted his weight from one foot to the other and studied the carpet before looking at me. Yeah.

Anybody get seriously hurt?

No.

Does your mother know?

Yeah.

I’ll try to see your principal if I have time after my exam. If not, your mother will represent us. You and I will talk after we hear from your principal. Now, come here and give me a hug goodnight.

He did, then left to get ready for bed.

I smiled to myself. I didn’t know that Kevin was already into girls. Hanna and Kevin made my life worthwhile. I couldn’t wait to start earning some big bucks so I could give them the things they deserved.

I got back to the books for a couple of hours. Then, Hanna peaked into the room and said, Come to bed. It’s after 11:00 pm.

I have to stay with this. It might mean another semester if I don’t pass.

Another semester? A pained expression crossed her face. You said the magic words. I’ll leave you be.

Come here. I patted my thighs.

Wearing a light blue tee, her outfit for bed, with San Diego Zoo in dark blue script, she ambled over and sat on my lap.

How are those house plans coming?

She lit up. I’ve made some changes in the kitchen. I can’t wait to show them to you.

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