Troy and Kip vacated the office. “Brandon, come on in.” Wes pointed to his sitting area. “I want to check in with you. How are you feeling about the program?”
“I think once it gets rolling, any kinks will work out.”
“Good. How is your relationship with Ellie?”
“She’s an amazing therapist. I wish I had as much passion as she has. And the horses, even they seem attached to her.” Brandon chuckled. “Is everything alright? I was supposed to meet with her about one of the patients. She wanted to make sure he had everything he needed.”
“She should be back soon. She had to go to DC for a bit. Tell me about Theo Harding,” Wes asked.
“Personally, I don’t like him. He’s a brown noser. Trying to get up in Ellie’s business. As a therapist, he says the right words, walks the walk, but…I can’t put my finger on it.” He looked down. “I spoke with Ellie about it, but I guess I should’ve gone to Mr. Clarke or you. She took a lot of abuse. I assumed it was jealousy, and after she fired Addy, and Marcia quit, it got quieter.
“But I think they got more discreet. They don’t believe she has the credentials. Then her weight… It rolled intoshe hurts the horse, and then, with you, it derailed into a discussion of your relationship. When she fell, she was lying on the ground, and she asked Addy why she was so cruel. Addy told her she didn’t want to work for an untalented, order-giving, fat cow whore.”
Wes cringed. “Trust your gut about everything. You were spot on about Harding. He was not a therapist. He’s an FBI agent.” Wes couldn’t contain his anger.
“Shit. He saw private treatment plans for the patient assigned to him,” Brandon said.
“It’s being addressed. I am sorry I missed our afternoon appointment. Ellie and I were planning to offer you the assistant director position. Now more than ever, I need to make sure there is long-term stability in the program.”
“Wow, thank you. I’d be honored to accept the offer if it still stands,” Brandon said.
Wes sighed, “Ellie is going through a difficult time. Right now, she is in FBI custody. Five years ago, she and her sister were kidnapped. Fifteen months ago, she escaped. The FBI believes she was involved. Chase Security is trying to sort it out.” He further explained her childhood. “I am worried for her. It’s a lot of pressure—and add the program.”
“I knew something was off. I’ll do everything I can to help her.” Brandon hung his head.
“I hate the way this will sound mean and insensitive, but I need you to make sure things keep going if Ellie can’t do the job.”
“It’s obvious you care for her, but you have a job to do. I’ll have a plan for you tomorrow. Thank you.”
Wes and Brandon shook hands, and Wes walked him to the door. Leaving it open, he waited for anyone with questions.
* * *
Wayne Burton stood at parade rest in front of General Divine. “I have news of Miss Eleanor.”
“Spit it out,” he snapped.
“She’s been found. She was taken from FBI custody and is in a helicopter back to Virginia.”
The General tapped an angry finger against the desk. “Take that chopper out,” he ordered.
