“It’s the number of my therapist. I know you’ve got a guy you’re seeing, but my guy’s better. I can say that because I truly believe he’s the best. And I guarantee you’ll see progress by the end of the first session.”
Noah took the paper from Mark’s fingers. He still had the card Addie had given him with the same name and number.
“Diana and I are leaving tonight. I hope that I see you again, son.” He took a step away before turning back to Noah. “We gave a lot of ourselves to our country. Now it’s time to live on our terms.”
Noah didn’t move. Not while Mark climbed into his car or while he drove away. He stood alone in the parking lot for another minute before finally glancing down at the number.
Then he cursed before dropping into his truck and pulling out his cell. That’s when he saw the text.
Addie: I miss you.
He closed his eyes, the sound of her voice in his head before he responded.
Noah: Are you okay?
Addie: Are you?
No. He wasn’t. And because of him, she wasn’t either.
He looked back at the piece of paper and without hesitation, called the number.
A female voice answered. “Hi, this is the office of Dr. Ted Burton, Teresa speaking. How can I help you?”
“Hi, my name’s Noah Hayes, and—”
“Noah. Mark told us you might call. What can we do for you?”
Noah ran his fingers through his hair. “I’d like to make an appointment with Dr. Burton.”
CHAPTER 23
“It’s nice to meet you, Noah.”
Noah dragged his gaze from the small rectangular window to the older doctor with the silver hair. Noah had made the one-hour drive from Amber Ridge to Bozeman for this appointment because he’d wanted to meet the doctor in person.
His office was different from Toby’s. There was more stuff in the room—books filled the shelves. Photos and knickknacks sat on the desk. Throw pillows filled the worn leather couch.
“It’s nice to meet you too,” he finally answered.
The doctor pushed his black-rimmed glasses up his nose before lowering a pen to his notebook. “Can you tell me why you’re here?”
“Because I feel like I’m trapped between two places. One minute, I’m in Amber Ridge, the next, something snaps and I’m back in Iraq, being held prisoner in a concrete cell.”
“What happens in the cell?”
“I have to watch my teammate die. I have to feel that same helplessness in my bones.”
“Is this just during the day?”
“No. Night too.”
“That sounds terrifying.” He cocked his head. “Did you have a nightmare last night?”
“I have nightmares every night. The only time I don’t is…”
The doctor waited a beat, then asked, “The only time you don’t is when?”
“When Addison’s with me.” The second he said her name, he felt that familiar ache in his chest. The same one he felt any time he thought about her.
