Chapter 16
Pamela was even-tempered by nature. She shook her head and said nothing more.
On their drive home, traffic slowed as police conducted a DUI checkpoint.
An officer approached with a breathalyzer: “Roll down your window for inspection.”
Scott complied immediately.
After Scott passed the test, he leaned back to let Pamela take her turn.
But the officer walked away without testing her.
Scott chuckled, teasing: “You look exactly like you did in high school. Probably thought you were a student.”
Pamela laughed, the earlier tension from the private room vanishing instantly.
The next morning, Scott awoke to texts from Rachel:
[Mom: Scott, Peter mentioned seeing you at Blood Pack yesterday. Did you have dinner together?]
[Mom: Since Nathan Flores is still in Blood Pack, visit his practice for a checkup.]
[Mom: Your Capital City psych eval results came in. I’d feel better having Nathan-someone we trust-review them.]
Rachel’s own mental health had stabilized in Capital City two years prior, requiring only routine maintenance since.
Yet she’d grown hypervigilant about Scott’s psychological state, scheduling frequent evaluations.
To ease her worries, Scott always obliged. Today was no exception.
Downstairs, Pamela still slept. Scott scribbled a note:
[Pamela, heading out to meet Dad’s friend.]
He frowned, crumpled the paper, and tossed it. The new note read:
[Pamela, stepping out briefly. Back soon.]
Nathan was Paul’s longtime friend, an experienced psychologist.
He’d known all about Paul’s scandalous death years prior.
When Scott reached the hospital office, Nathan was wrapping up with another patient.
“When I first came to Blood Pack and heard she died… I couldn’t believe it.”
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“Now that I’ve found her again, I won’t let go.”
Nathan massaged his temples, offering bottles of pills with a tired smile.
“If it makes you happy, that’s what matters.”
“But you look worn. These supplements might help. Try them.”
Seeing the next patient waiting, Scott took the medicine and left.
Returning that evening, Scott found Pamela asleep on the couch.
He felt a warmth in his heart, a smile tugging his lips.
While she slept, Scott swallowed Nathan’s pills in the kitchen.
He hid the bottles, not wanting to worry her.
As he stepped from the kitchen, Pamela stirred awake.
Her sleepy eyes followed him settling beside her.
Scott’s heart softened at her drowsy gaze. He reached to embrace her-then froze.
He’d forgotten. She still needed space.
But Pamela suddenly yanked his hand toward her.
Pamela initiated the embrace, holding Scott tightly.
11:52
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