Page 111 of The Making of Marnie Jones

“Ready to meet the horses?”

Olivia again grasped Marnie's hand. They followed Kennedy toward the stables.

The young girl emerged, holding hands with a woman who favored her curly brown hair and brown eyes. Probably mother and daughter. They waved goodbye to Kennedy and headed to the parking lot.

The bearded man exited the stable and headed toward them.

Olivia's hand tightened on Marnie’s.

“Dr. Maximillian Crawford, meet Marnie and Olivia.”

If there was recognition, Maximillian hid it well. Surely, however, Kennedy had briefed the staff.

As if sensing the women’s disquiet, the doctor continued on as if nothing was amiss. “It’s Max.”

“Max is a psychiatrist who works in town. He only sees a few patients out here on the ranch.”

“Oh.” Such an inarticulate statement. Marnie was still trying to process the whole situation when Max waved goodbye and headed off.

Olivia dropped Marnie's hand and stepped toward the building. “May we see the horses now?”

“Of course.” Kennedy led them to the stables. “This is Fallon, over here is Sienna, that’s Sugar, and this is Briar.”

For the next half-an-hour, Kennedy took them through the care and tending of horses.

Marnie was drawn to Fallon while Olivia was clearly smitten with Sienna. Finally, Marnie met Kennedy’s gaze.“Can we talk?”

Kennedy gestured for Marnie to follow her and led the way to the tack room. “You have concerns.”

“Is it that evident?”

“I’d be more worried if you didn't.” Kennedy offered Marnie a seat and sat at the desk opposite. “You’re protective of Olivia.”

“I’m more like a big sister to her than anything else. Four weeks ago, we hadn't even met.”

“Shared trauma has a way of creating bonds. Make sure you bond over the positive things and not the negative ones.” The psychologist watched her intently. “What are your concerns?”

“Maximillian. I mean, not Maximillian per se…”

Kennedy’s gaze penetrated, as if she was trying to solve some puzzle.Don’t fidget.“Is it all men or just some?”

“For me, it's most men. For Olivia, it's more the fact Max looks like Demeter Anton. Or at least the way he did when they convicted him.”

“Maybe being around Max will help her.”

“I'm not sure we can afford to take that risk.”

Kennedy tilted her head, acknowledging Marnie's concern. “I can see where you're going with this. Max isn't taking on new patients, and I don't match clients that way. We'll start with the horses. I work closely with Dr. Denise Lang who is a clinical child psychologist, and Avery Stinson who is a social worker specializing in addiction treatment. I also have a counselor, Justin Bridges, but he works with clients dealing with trauma and loss. Look, we'll find the right combination for both you and Olivia.”

“I sound paranoid, don't I?”

“Not paranoid, just careful. When you're ready to deal with this, we’ll tackle it.”

“You seem sure of yourself.”

“I'm a therapist, not a mind reader or miracle worker. Certainty doesn't exist in my business, but I can guarantee we'll do our best to help you and provide you with referrals if need be.”

Olivia knocked on the door. “May I come in?”

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