Page 70 of Prey for You

He sat back in his chair like he was weary, rubbing his forehead with one hand. “What is it?”

“My proposal is… you meet with Sam—not for the FBI. But for me. Those… what did you call it when other people came into a session to help?”

Gerald sighed. “A collateral session?”

“Yeah. You talk to him. You ask him whatever you want—he’ll tell you. I know he will. Because he’s agood man.You use that big brain of yours to assess him and see if you think he’s lying.”

“Bridget, he’s probably a master manipulator—”

“I think you’re a big boy, Gerald. You met with my father, after all.”

Gerald’s lips twisted. “Okay, let’s sayhypotheticallyI was willing to talk to Sam. What’s the purpose. What are you proposing?”

“Will you be honest about what you see? Even if you were wrong?”

“Absolutely.”

I smiled.

“Don’t toy with me, Bridget.”

“I’m not. I’m happy. Because Iknowhe’s a good man. And I know when you realize that too, then you can help us.”

“Help you? I’m not having anything to do with the trial. Even if he was a saint, I couldn’t get involved. It would be a conflict of interest with our sessions and—”

“That’s not what I meant.” Though I was disappointed, because the thoughthadoccurred to me. “But if you talk to him, and you think he’s genuine, I want you to recommend that the restraining order is lifted so I can see him.”

“Of course. I should have known,” he said, shaking his head. His expression went flat. “And if you’re wrong? If I can see the signs that he’s not good?”

“If you aren’t convinced he’s being honest, and you think he’s lying about loving me, then I’ll admit that I was wrong, and I’ll let you take me to meet my dad.Afterthe trial.”

Gerald went very still. “You’re shitting me.”

“Two swear words inonesession? Having a bad day, G?”

“Bridget, are you lying to me?”

“No.”

“You said you refused to see your father.”

“And I’m confident I won’t have to.”

“And if you’re wrong? If you’ve misjudged this?”

“If I’m wrong, then I’m wrong. And that means I could be wrong about other things. Ergo… I’ll do what you say.Onetime. After the case is decided. You go with me. And if he’s an asshole, we leave immediately.”

Gerald stared at me for a long moment, then he sighed and leaned forward again. “I can’t believe I’m saying this, but… yes. Yes, I would like to talk to Sam—and I will assess him with an open mind. Though I don’t expect to find good news. And yes… if I’m right, I will accompany you to see your father, and we will do that under terms that keep you safe, and we will stay only as long as is healthy to do so.”

“Done,” I said emphatically and held out my hand over the coffee table.

Gerald didn’t smile, but he nodded. “You’re on.”

22. Open the Door

~ BRIDGET ~

Eventually Gerald cleared me assafeto be alone.

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