Page 150 of Chosen Beta

If she’s on reception, she’s at risk.

“In the meantime?” Erika asks.

“You’ll have to take a hiatus from your job, and you won’t be able to use the internet or a phone line.”

She gives me a look of horror. “I’m off the job? And I can’t go online? Are you serious?”

I exchange a glance with Brooke, and she puts an arm around Erika.

“It’s just until we can reverse the effects of what he did to you. We can’t risk you being triggered.”

“Can I have that in writing?” she asks.

“Sure,” I tell her. “Trust me, the job will be waiting for you when you’re good to come back.”

That seems to reassure her a little, but she shakes her head.

“I just … I don’t understand how he could have brainwashed me. I don’t remember spending any time with him. I … Oh, my … I had therapy sessions that I barely remember anything about. Was that … Did he use that time to do this?”

Brooke nods. “I’m sorry. Your therapist was on his payroll. She might have helped with the brainwashing, or else she let him come in and do it while she walked away with a fat paycheck.”

“That … That …Malibu Beach House with Fudging Sugarbags on top!”

My jaw drops as Brooke snorts in amusement.

That’s probably the closest Erika’s ever come to actually swearing.

“Fudging Fudge,” she mutters, crossing her arms.

“You might feel a little better if you actually swear,” Brooke suggests.

“I’d rather not,” Erika says. “I’m already mentally wringing her dumb old lady neck. I’m in enough trouble with the big guy upstairs.”

“Thinking about something isn’t the same as doing it,” Brooke reminds her.

“Thinking about it is bad enough.” Erika lets out another sigh. “Do we know how long I’ll have to sit in my suite bored with nothing to do?”

“I’m hopeful that we’ll figure out enough details within a few days,” Brooke answers.

“A few days?” Erika seems to consider this. “That doesn’t sound so bad, I guess. What happens then?”

“We’ll have a psychologist assess you and that should hopefully be the end of it.”

“Then I get to come back to work?”

“Then you get to come back to work.”

She nods. “Okay then. I’ll be in my suite if anyone needs me.”

“We’ll assign a guard soon,” I add. “He’ll be outside your door for protection.”

We all stand up, and Erika hugs Brooke.

“It was nice to see you again, Brooke. I’m glad you’re doing so well after everything.”

“You’ll be doing well soon, too,” Brooke tells her.

“I hope so. Thanks.” She leaves the room.

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