Page 121 of The Savior

Dr. Casper shook Calhoun’s hand and sat next to Mac, giving the same greeting, as if they were all old friends.

“I thought we shared everything,” Chelsea snapped at her partner. “Where’s the truth in this?”

All eyes fell on her.

“Chelsea,” Calhoun started again, “you remember Dr. Casper?”

“Yes.” She pressed her lips together.

“I thought perhaps you would’ve arranged an appointment with the doctor.”

Dr. Casper kept a neutral expression, but nothing was evenhanded when it came to the alliances that had been formed.

“I’ve been busy,” she said.

“I think,” Mac interjected, “Chelsea has something else to bring up that’s worth discussing.”

Mac wouldn’t dare bring up Liam. The corners of her eyes pinched, and her molars sawed to their breaking point. “That’s between us.”

“With your time off, my role has changed. Whether we remain partners or not, I think that it’s important for everyone to know—”

“Donotfinish that thought,” Chelsea snapped.

Dr. Casper pulled out a notebook and jotted a note.

For the love of butter cream—notes?

“I never took you for one of those guys who’d throw their partner under the bus to rise in the ranks—” Then she felt it necessary to turn to the scribbling doctor. “This is absurd.”

Mac cleared his throat. “It’s important for us to realize that you’re sleeping with Liam Brosnan.” He pivoted to Dr. Casper. “Brosnan is her best friend’s boyfriend.”

“I’m not sure that’s warranted,” Calhoun muttered, finally sticking up for her.

“Substance abuse and reckless decisions?” Mac replied to their boss but Chelsea could tell his answer was for Dr. Casper’s benefit.

She wanted to cry and yell. What was she supposed to say?Explain that my best friend is dead? That more than a year had passed before she and Liam became romantically involved?Mac, Calhoun, and Casper didn’t need that information.

“Why don’t you take a moment to compose yourself,” Calhoun suggested.

“I don’t need to,” she choked.

He shifted in the rolling chair. “You don’t look well.”

“I’ve been ambushed, and you think I have a drinking problem!”

“Take it easy,” Calhoun demanded.

Chelsea squared her shoulders and tried to settle her emotions. “Fine.”

After a minute, Calhoun rubbed his chin and leaned back. “I’d still like you to see Casper.”

Unbelievable. She shook her head.

“There’s nothing wrong with getting help,” Mac offered.

“I don’t need help! What the hell is your problem?”

Mac and Calhoun froze as though they couldn’t believe she’d cursed, then Calhoun leaned forward. “Maybe this meeting was a bad idea.”

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