Page 49 of Wired Justice

“She implied regret, and said that everything she did was for a higher purpose. Her attitude reminded me of Connor, but Connor has been more emotional about it. And still he used me, lied to me, and chose his mission over me.” Sophie felt the betrayals of those closest to her sucking at her emotionally, dragging her toward that familiar dark pit.

“Connor? Who is that? Tell me about him.”

Sophie glanced at the wall clock. “I don’t know if I can, today. I have to go pick up Jake and get my rental car before the business closes. Can we meet tomorrow? I must make a decision. This is . . .” she pressed her hands against her belly. “This is eating at me, as Americans say. My depression has been better with medication and all the activity I’ve been doing, but this is a . . . setback. I just want to get to my hotel room and lie down.” She longed for quiet and darkness in which to nurse her pain.

“Of course, it’s a setback, a blow. You must always have hoped for something more with your mother. I’m sorry. Some people are simply not capable of it.” Dr. Wilson stood up. “I am livid on your behalf. Come here. You need a therapeutic hug.”

“If I must.” Sophie stood and walked around the coffee table to embrace the petite psychologist. She felt stiff and wooden. She was a robot body with a heart somewhere deep inside, still beating for some unknown reason. But as Dr. Wilson held her, the warmth of the psychologist’s firm, gentle touch seemed to penetrate, melting the disconnect surrounding her.

Sophie sagged, and an inadvertent sob erupted from somewhere deep inside.

“It’s okay. You must grieve for these things,” Dr. Wilson whispered. “Let out the pain so it doesn’t cripple you.”

“If I start to cry, I’ll never stop.” Sophie wrenched herself upright and stepped back. “Let’s meet tomorrow, please. I will work around your schedule.”

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