Page 9 of Jersey

I give both men a forced smile, but there's no way I'll get into that pool with them.

I don't feel exactly unsafe here. I got the impression when I first interviewed with Pax Hart, a man the other guys here refer to as Hemlock, that I'm safe here. I was told that if there's ever a time when I don't feel comfortable, then just let him know, and he'll correct the issue.

My first sight of these men made me want to run for the hills. They're all big and scary looking, and I know could do some real damage if they wanted to. Although their work hasn't specifically been relayed to me, I get the impression that they're some sort of highly trained black ops group or definitely a governmental agency of some kind. I am working under the assumption that they're somehow good guys because I can't see bad guys worrying about a boy's mental health the way these guys do.

They also must have a ton of resources because they offered me twice my normal fee to travel to their location rather than meeting at the office where I've rented space with another group of therapists. I've been coming four times a week, and the payment after each meeting has never failed to be deposited into my account.

"Just waiting for Eli," I explain before turning away from them and adjusting the strap on my bathing suit.

I know they're here because they all live in this massive cabin, and we're working on trying to help Eli understand that he's safe in this home, regardless of how scary these guys look. We're trying to soften them some, so he's more comfortable around them.

The poor child has been through some really rough stuff, including witnessing death at such a young age. It's going to take some time for him to work through all of his traumas.

I look up when the door to the indoor pool opens, planting a smile on my face, and trying to shove away how uncomfortable I feel in the presence of people I still consider strangers with such little clothing on. Granted I'm wearing a lot more than I was at the club, but I do my best to shove those experiences out of my mind, an impossible feat when I look up to see none other than the man from the club with Nolan and Eli.

I freeze, unsure of the look on my face because my mind is racing too hard and too fast to worry about my outward appearance.

A million things run through my mind.

Did he somehow track me down?

Am I here only because he saw me at the club?

Am I in danger?

Does everyone here know what I did?

Does he work with these guys?

My first instinct is to run, and I turn my body sideways to grab my things from the small table beside the lounger on my right. Bolting without keys to my car would be an escape attempt made in vain.

His being here doesn't make any sense. These are good guys, so why ishehere?

I inwardly cringe. How judgmental of me to think that only bad guys go to sex clubs. I was at the same damn club, and I'm far from a bad person.

"I think it's not a good time," I hear Eli say, his voice low with a hint of fear.

"This is a great time," Nolan says calmly to his son. "You remember Lark and Casper, right? Hey, guys! How's the water?"

"Feels great," one of them offers.

"Eli? Is that you?" I manage, my voice sounding weak and unsure.

The only thing I can do right now is remain professional, and pray the man does the same.

"Miss Caitlyn," the little boy yells as he shuffle-walks in my direction.

I manage a smile as I crouch and wait for him to run into my arms for a hug.

"I was hoping you'd join us for a swim," I say, doing my best to sound excited. "Have you met my friends Casper and Lark?"

I feel the exact moment he notices me, and just like I did in the club, I can't seem to pull my eyes from his as I step back from Eli and stand.

He and Nolan speak, but they're too far away for me to hear what they say. I can imagine the words when Nolan looks at me as if he's just seeing me for the first time.

I want to cry, to hang my head in embarrassment. I'm certain the man just told my client's father that I was tied up in a sex club. The man looks furious as if I've somehow invaded his space. As if I'm the one with ulterior motives for being here.

The two of them stop, Nolan standing in front of the man as he speaks to him. When he turns back around, the look that was on Nolan's face is gone.

---