“Being me.”
“Hey, every cop wants a partner that’s the target of a serial killeranda mob boss. It makes for an exciting life.”
“Don’t joke. What if you end up in the firing line?”
“In law enforcement, that happens every day, Bryn. Let’s go do what we’re paid to.”
“But…”
“No buts.”
Bryn stripped off a glove then grabbed Gunnar’s hand. He squeezed his eyes shut. “Oh!” He blushed beet red.
“Heh heh. See something interesting in there, did you? What’s in my future?” Gunnar had dreamed the previous night about spanking a naked Bryn over his Harley’s saddle so he had a pretty good idea what Bryn had seen.And I fully intend to get that done.Bryn was already striding across the parking lot and Gunnar jogged to catch him. “You’ve no idea how many filthy things I plan to do to you.” He blew against Bryn’s neck. “Focus on that.”
Bryn whimpered. “You know I’m wearing tight jeans, right?”
“I am very aware of that, yes.”
When they crossed the threshold of the psychiatric unit, Gunnar’s sensitive nose started working overtime. “I hate hospitals, they stink.” He headed for the reception desk. “Disinfectant masking disease. Yuck.”
“Sounds gross. I’m glad I don’t have your sniffer.”
The receptionist gave Gunnar a big smile. “Hi! How can I help you?”
“We have an appointment with Dr. Tolliver.”
“Who is right over there.” The woman pointed and a white-coated woman hurried toward them.
“Hi, I’m Sonya Tolliver, it’s so kind of you to make time to come over here. Call me Sonya.”
“I’m Gunnar and this is Bryn,” Gunnar said.
“The augur! From a professional point of view, you are fascinating. I apologize in advance if I get too curious. Tell me to back off if that happens, okay?”
“Uh, sure. I hope we can help you out.”
“Does your patient know what we’re here to do?” Gunnar asked as they followed Sonya down a long corridor.
“Yes, and she’s very excited at the possibility she might find out something about herself. It’s very frustrating not being able to remember who you are.”
“I can imagine,” Gunnar agreed.
“Here we are.” Sonya took them into a small private room that had been made cheery with flowers and pictures. “This is one of our family waiting rooms. I thought this might be better than a ward. And this is Jane…which is the name we’ve been using.”
A young woman rose from a chair. She was a redhead, her face colored on one side by fading bruises.Some of her hair had been shaved and there was a stark scar on her scalp.
“Please sit down, ma’am,” Gunnar said, helping her back to her seat. “We won’t keep you long.”
Bryn sat next to her. He took off his gloves. “Hi, I’m Bryn. Pleased to meet you.” He took off his dark glasses and there were two gasps as he revealed his eyes.
“Oh, wow. You can really do this!” Sonya said. “I was a bit skeptical, I have to admit.”
“I really can,” Bryn said before turning to Jane. “Is it okay if I take your hand?”
“Sure.”
Gunnar never failed to be impressed by how Bryn could put a subject at ease. He made sure he wasn’t threatening, was polite and friendly.It’s a total personality switch.
