“We believe what happened with Gwen is related to the Twentynine Palms injured,” Ian said. “And she has no knowledge we pulled her out.”
“Doesn’t she deserve the truth? If our victims at Twentynine Palms are related to what happened to Gwen?” Troy’s breaths were coming fast.
“There isn’t an easy answer to that,” Julian said. “How much more damage will it do to know who hurt her?” He sighed.
Troy stood and walked to the windows. “The truth matters—at least for me. Every miserable memory I have of the Silverton jail and the months after matter. I can’t imagine the truth not mattering to Gwendolen.” He swallowed hard saying her given name.
“I sent her to medical for a full evaluation. How did she hide this?” Troy looked out the window. “Ian, Kieran, I need to ask: how is she fit to do this job?”
“She didn’t hide anything. As part of the deal with her father, he kept our operation from her. Gwen provided release of information permission to us. We have everything, at least what’s written down. She’s been in therapy since day one. Kieran receives monthly updates from Remy Mirouette about job performance. Pete Walter checks in with her weekly. Hunt Montgomery gets the therapists’ reports. It’s part of her protected medical record. Now, how is she fit? Did you ask her?” Ian asked.
“No. Damn it.” Troy kicked over a chair, furious with himself. “I interviewed her like any other victim. I put up my wall.”
Chapter 14
Russ Sommerfeld joined Gwen, holding on to a large chart. “I wanted to speak with you without you worrying about privacy. Anything you say here, with me or other medical staff, is protected.”
“Thank you. I’ve made such a mess out of things.” She held her head in her hands.
“I don’t see it that way, and I don’t think the company will either. Your chart includes medical reports from Rambam Medical hospital in Israel, Landstuhl Medical Center in Germany, and the naval hospital at Camp Pendleton. It also contains records from the women's health center in Virginia and Walter Reed, plus psychotherapy notes since you returned stateside. You haven't missed a session.
“Your medical records are private. The only information released to the division heads is whether you’re fit or unfit for duty. Your records were signed off by Hunt Montgomery in DC. He holds the chief medical officer position for the company, along with Beth Bailey. Every medical chart also lists the senior executive responsible to receive that fitness level.”
“I guess it would be Tighe Cummings out of New York, or Julian here, depending on if it was updated.” She creased her brows.
“You’re right. But it’s neither. Kieran Chase is listed. I’ve worked for the company for a relatively short time, but I have never seen that. My opinion would be that your records were not released in their entirety to Martin on down. Does that excuse their reaction? That depends on whether or not lives were involved,” Russ said.
Gwen shook her head. “I held on to vital intel. I got overwhelmed. Distracted. That loss of concentration could have caused a big problem.”
“I can ask you a simple question: how come you never discussed this with a friend, co-worker, or supervisor?”
She ran her hands through her hair, tearing it from her bun. “Remy Mirouette knows. My family knows, not by my choice. I was too sick to say no. It’s not the kind of conversation I bring up over the lunch line or in the gym.”
“What about a date or intimate partner?” Russ leaned back in his chair.
“What date? Like I’m dating material.” Gwen snorted. “And intimate partner? What are you smoking?”
“What about Troy? What were you going to tell him if your relationship moved forward?” Russ stayed serious.
Gwen tilted her head. “How do you know I have feelings for him?”
Russ laughed. “Nowyou’resmoking. The way you looked at him. And he was devastated leaving you here.”
“I'd fake it. Tell him I'm not comfortable having a man go down on me.” Gwen looked down.
“You had it all figured out. Is Troy the first man you planned on lying to?"
"What other man? I'm not the most lovable."She chewed her lower lip.
He shook his head and leaned toward her. "Why do you say that? I don’t think that. What does your therapist say?”
“I need to forgive myself…” A muffled cry fell from her lips.“And ignore what the psychiatrist at Pendleton said.”
“Gwen?” Russ moved around his desk and sat next to her.
“He said, because I was devoid of any femininity, I’d never function as a productive citizen, much less a woman.”
“Sweet Jesus. No, no, no. Untrue. I’m sorry.” Russ’s fists curled before he handed her a tissue. “Gwen, I’d like your permission to speak with your therapist. Troy asked you to be evaluated by our psychiatric team. This isn’t a punishment; truthfully, I think the exam will show you have PTSD but remain a completely functioning, healthy participant in society.” He cocked his head. “And feminine.”
