* * *
Wes and Troy were deep in discussion when Pete returned with Eleanor, who was now wearing large dark sunglasses instead of bandages. “I’ll say this in front of all three of you. Troy, I’m appointing you in charge of Eleanor’s behavior. It’s the Pete Walter No Drama rule.”
Wes’s lips scrunched as if he sucked on a lemon, but he managed a nod of understanding, while Eleanor bit back a laugh. Wes was generous and protective, but she pled her case to Pete. She needed an unbiased view, and her gut, or maybe her heart, told her Wes wouldn’t be that—or maybe she would have an issue believing what he said was unbiased.
“Eleanor, activity as tolerated, but no solo riding, and the protective glasses stay on. Drops again at noon and every four hours after that,” Pete said. “Wes, Yvonne put me in at three. I need to talk to you about a few things.”
“Ellie, where can we take you?” Troy asked.
“I guess to where my stuff is. I need my Wellies. I want to see my office and meet the horses.”
“Wellies it is,” Troy said, sticking his tongue out at Wes.
“I’ll meet you at the auditorium. I want to show Ellie her office,” Wes said with a mock pout.
* * *
Alarge fish tank was built into the wall of the cozy area decorated in a pale gray with white bucket chairs and a gray coffee table. A white, gray and glass reception desk sat at the head of the room. A young woman in a black polo shirt and khaki slacks sat behind it.
“Good morning Mr. Crockett, ma’am. I’m Claudine. Mr. Crockett, I’m sorry, but may I scan your identification? Yours too, Ms. West.”
Eleanor panicked. “My ID.”
Wes handed Claudine both cards. “Here you go.”
“Hi, Claudine, call me Ellie.” She took the ID on a lanyard from Claudine and hung it around her neck. Realizing she still wore the panic alarm, she removed it and handed it back to Wes. “Thank you.”
“Troy loves fish. I learned they can be calming. I asked the designer to put an aquarium in here. Each one of your sixteen therapists has their own office. Each office has a couch, loveseat, bookcase, file cabinet and desk with a chair. The rooms are also equipped with surround sound and noise reduction.” Wes opened one of the offices.
Ellie’s face filled with a mesmerizing smile. “Amazing.” She stuck her nose into the room and shook her head. “Did you do all this?”
“I wish I could take credit. Other than the fish tank, I signed for the expenditures. We have a decorator,” Wes chuckled. “Over here is a small kitchenette, and at the end of the hall is your office.”
Eleanor ran a finger over her nameplate. Stepping inside, she removed her sunglasses and held her hand to her mouth. “This is gorgeous.” She slowly turned three hundred sixty degrees. Pale green walls with green striped draperies, a darker green upholstery, blue and green pillows, mosaic green, brown and blue carpeting, and aqua accent pieces completed the room. A mural of apasture with horses and a creek filled a wall. A brown wood bookcase filled another wall.
As she faced him, tears sparkled in her eyes. “Thank you for this incredible opportunity.”
“Wishing you great success. This program means a lot to me,” Wes said softly. “Put your glasses back on.” He then took some time to explain his vision for the programs.
“Who do you want this program to help?” She cocked her head.
“What makes you ask that?” A vulnerability touched his posture.
Her eyes met Wes’s. “The excitement tinged with sadness in your tone.”
Wes sighed and looked down. “My friend was critically injured working undercover. It’s a miracle he’s alive. I am worried about him.”
“You’re honorable and respectful by sharing nothing too personal. If your friend wants to participate, I’ll be happy to work with him. That’s what I adore about this program: clients use all their senses to process their emotional and physical challenges. They don’t feel locked into a stereotypical process. It sneaks up on them.”
Eleanor was sure he was talking about Troy. In the office, she saw the scars where the beard didn’t cover his face. He was also good at disguising his emotions.
Wes smiled. “What would you like to see next?”
“I’d like to see the stables and meet with my therapists. Every therapist you hired brings a different point of view to the job. We oriented together, but I want to see how the horses react to them, and how they react to my ugly puss.” She looked down. “I wish I could take a ride.”
“Pete said activity as tolerated.” Wes raised a brow. “I have an idea. Come with me?”
“I’d like that.” She would enjoy the fantasy of being someone special to Wes as long as she could. It would never happen in reality.
