Page 136 of Three for a Girl

“How are you feeling today?”

“Good. It was good to have some time off after the first case.”

She quirked her eyebrows. “You weren’t counting the hours to go back?”

Chad shook his head. “I enjoyed being at home, doing the mundane.”

“Like what?”

“Watching TV, eating, sleeping.”

“It’s good to talk to people, too, not shut yourself away.”

“I did that, too. I gave Zac a call. He was happy to hear from me.”

“That’s great.”

“And I’m having a clear out at home. Out with the old, in with the new.”

“That also helps.”

Chad opened his mouth to speak, but was cut off by his new phone vibrating in his pocket. They waited for it to stop vibrating before continuing.

“And you weren’t thinking of work during your time off?”

“No. I left work at work. I realized you were right. Only feeling worth from my job is a toxic way of living. I need to concentrate on myself, too. What I want. What I need. And I feel better for it.”

Keeley flicked her gaze up and down him. “You look better, more relaxed. Last time you seemed…”

“Rattled, out of control, I know.”

“But you feel more in control now?”

“Definitely. I know what I’ve got to do, where I’ve got to get to.”

She waved her hand for him to continue.

“I’ve got to be a good detective. I’ve got to do my job to the best of my abilities, be there for my team and the public.”

“Yes, but—”

He lifted his hand, cutting her off. “But I’ve also got to do things for me. I’ve got to do things that make me happy, outside of work. I have to feel my worth. I have tolivemy life how I want to.”

His phone buzzed again and he winced. “I’m sorry.”

“Something urgent?”

“Do you mind if I…”

She leaned back in her chair. “Take it.”

Chad pulled his phone out of his pocket. “It’s Ally, my sergeant.”

He answered the call, and Ally’s voice stabbed him in the ear. “You gotta get down here!”

“I’m speaking to my therapist.”

“Fuck her.”

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