Page 19 of Phoenix Rising

“Hypnosis with Mr. Akers.”

“You do realize I’m unable to be hypnotized.”

“You’ll have to pretend,” she advised. “If he’s any good, he might be able to tell you’re faking. As your loving wife, I will insist on attending the session. I’ll monitor the guy.”

After paying for the meal, they strolled along the crowded sidewalk to the office where their next fact-finding mission would occur. Reese held the door for Audria, and she entered first. The blast of cold air felt good as they reached the check-in desk.

A woman with brown hair piled on her head and black cat-eye glasses looked up from her computer. “Hello. How may I help you?”

“We have an appointment for my husband, Ross Green.”

The woman entered the name into her computer to confirm the reservation. She withdrew a clipboard from beneath her desk and slid papers under the clamp before grabbing a pen from a holder next to her monitor.

“Please fill this out, Mr. Green. Front and back.”

While Reese took the materials and sat on a yellow leather sofa, Audria turned to the receptionist and tried a different tactic. “I have a friend I can’t get in touch with. I know she had an appointment with Mr. Akers. Can you tell me if she made it?” Audria showed her the picture of Paige.

“I’m sorry, it’s against company policy to give out any patient information.”

“I don’t want to know why she was here. I simply want to knowifshe was here.”

The woman looked over her shoulder. “Let me see the photo again.”

Audria handed her the phone.

“I do remember her.”

“Can you tell me what name she was using? When she goes off her medication, she’s unpredictable.”

“I honestly don’t remember. She was only here once, and I couldn’t even tell you what day. I’m sorry.”

“That’s okay. Thank you.”

Reese glanced up as Audria returned, and she gave a brief shake of her head. He returned his attention to the papers, checking the “no” box next to every question. She didn’t think he was even reading them. When he finished, he returned the forms to the receptionist.

A door opened, and a woman came out, dabbing at her eyes. She put on a pair of sunglasses before exiting the building. It must have been an intense session.

“Mr. Green?”

Audria stood with Reese and headed to where a man with a brown ponytail and a van dyke mustache, complete with handlebar ends, held the door open. He was of medium height and weight, wearing all black. He reminded Audria of a magician instead of a hypnotist.

“I’m Ron Akers.”

“Nice to meet you.” Reese shook his hand, and Audria did the same.

Before Audria could enter, he held up a hand. “I’m sorry. I don’t allow anyone else in an individual’s session.”

“He’s my husband. I want to be there to help him overcome his nasty habit. It’s ruining our relationship.”

“Not possible. A spouse or significant other could alter the concentration of the patient.”

“I won’t get in the way.”

“I’ll be okay, honey,” Reese promised. “Keep an eye on my smokes. Don’t trade them for bingo money.”

Audria chuckled. Such a joker. Luckily, she’d thought to bring comm devices. She could hear what was happening, even though she wouldn’t physically be in the room.

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