The Inmate

by Freida McFadden

I lift my chin. “Actually, I have a boyfriend.” “You mean Tim Reese?” Hunt laughs at the shocked look on my face. “Come on, the guy’s at your house every night. You don’t have to be Sherlock Holmes.” I can’t believe my ears. I’m suddenly incredibly sorry that I started this conversation. And even sorrier that we’re alone in this room together. “You’re spying on me?” He shrugs. “I drove by your house a few times. I recognized Tim from high school. A boring but safe choice. Also…” He bares his slightly yellowed teeth at me. “I find it kind of interesting that you have a kid in fifth grade. You’re kind of young to have a son that old, aren’t you? Who were you dating ten years ago, anyway?” Oh no. No, no, no… “I bet Nelson would be really interested to hear about that,” he muses. “I’d sort of like to see the look on his face, you know?” “Please don’t tell him,” I gasp. “Please.” Hunt flashes me a smile that makes me want to punch him in the nose. “Don’t worry, Brooke,” he says. “Your secrets are safe with me. But you better be a little nicer to me. For starters, from now on, you can bring coffee to me every morning.” “Fine,” I snap. He gives me a long look, and I brace myself for more demands. But they don’t come. He just shakes his head at me. “What a waste, Brooke,” he mutters. “All for that scumbag.” With those words, he jerks open the door to the examining room and storms out.