“What do you mean?” she asked.
I looked over at her. Her face held nothing but compassion. Not at all like the last therapist Frankie and I saw. She was so judgmental and condescending. It was why we stopped going.
Talking to Haizley felt like talking to a friend. That alone was reason enough for me to be suspicious of the woman.
“You knew who I was, so I’m guessing you know how I got here?”
“My old man is in the club, so I have the basics. I know your ex-husband went to prison for hurting you and Frankie, but I don’t know the details. And I know Slyce found you in the Death Dogs’ clubhouse and brought you here.”
I swallowed the lump in my throat and looked away. “My best friend lied during the trial. Then, when Richard got released, they got married.”
“I can see why you feel betrayed,” she said, as if she understood. “I assume something happened at the diner that has you questioning your new friendship?”
“Maggie wasn’t there. Cami said Nox was sick, so Maggie dropped her off. But I suspected Frankie had them all help her, and that’s how I ended up having dinner with Derek.”
“Have you talked to Maggie?”
“I did. She wasn’t involved; Nox was. Frankie and Cami had talked Nox into pretending to be sick so Maggie had to stay home.”
“That must ease a little of what you were feeling.”
I shrugged. “It does. After everything I’ve been through, trust is hard.”
“I imagine it would be. What happened with Derek?”
I blew out a breath, and my shoulders slumped. “I’m not even sure,” I lied.
I knew exactly what had happened. I told him the truth about how I failed my daughter, and he got angry and left. And now he wanted nothing to do with us, and I didn’t know why it hurt so freaking much. I wanted him to stay away from Frankie and from me. But I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t feeling the same way Frankie did and wondering where he’d gone to.
“Did you argue?” she asked.
“No, we were talking, and he told me about his parents, and his brother.”
“He did?” she asked.
She seemed surprised, and I nodded.
“He opened up and shared something personal, so when he asked about Richard, I told him what happened.”
“Would you be willing to share with me what you told Derek?” She paused and added, “Only if you’re comfortable.”
I took a deep breath and thought about the last therapist, and what she’d said. How it had been my responsibility to protect my daughter. How I should have known what was happening. I could only imagine what she said to Frankie.
I told Haizley everything I had shared with Derek. When she closed her eyes and sighed, I knew she felt the same way the other therapist did. I knew it was my fault, but I didn’t need people to keep telling me that.
“Excuse me just a moment,” she said as she stood up and walked a few feet away.
She pulled out her phone and dialed a number. “Jack? I know where Derek is.” She was quiet as she listened to Jack speaking. “Yes, I’m sure of it. Take Gunner with you.” Haizley shook her head. “Jack, tell him I said he better fucking go with you or he better not come home.”
My eyes widened at Haizley’s words. I’d met Gunner at the clubhouse when Slyce brought us there, and he was a big, scary guy.
“If he knows what’s good for him, he’ll do as I say.” Haizley smiled, and I knew she’d won. “Thank you.”
She shoved her phone back into her pocket and smiled at me. It wasn’t the same smile. It wasn’t sad exactly, more frustration.
“You know where he went?”
“I do,” she answered as she sat back down.
