If I Didn't Know Better (The Callaways #9)(5)

"That's not a bad idea, but I have confidence that Eva will help Ashlyn. She knows how to deal with trauma. I saw her a few times when I first got back, and talking to her really helped put things into perspective."

"I hope so." His first impression of Dr. Eva Westcott had been a positive one. The thirty-year-old psychologist had a pleasant, soothing manner and a quiet confidence that commanded attention. His brows drew together as he thought about the rest of Kent's statement. "I didn't know you'd seen a shrink when you got back here or that you were having any issues. You never told me that."

Kent shrugged. "It wasn't that big of a deal. I couldn't sleep for the first few weeks. I was feeling like a zombie. I ran into Jamie Adams one day. He told me that Eva Westcott had helped him when he got out of the Army and that she was great with soldiers. I thought it couldn't hurt. Plus, she's not bad to look at," he added with a sparkle in his eyes.

Jeremy smiled. "I can see how that factored into your decision. How's Jamie doing these days?" The younger man had left the Army three years ago.

"He's working in construction. He got his contractor's license, and he's been busy building the new homes going up at the north end of town. He hires a lot of ex-soldiers, if you feel like swinging a hammer."

"Not at the moment."

"You were lousy with tools anyway."

"I wasn't that bad."

"You weren't that good. You hammered your shirt to the fence, remember?"

"I remember that I was twelve at the time," he said dryly. "I've picked up some skills since then."

"Well, I have a better idea for a career change if you're looking to make one. We're going to be hiring one or two more officers in the fall; I think you'd be perfect."

"I'm not a cop."

"You could be. It's a good job. I know you're not ready to give up on Delta, but just keep it in the back of your mind."

"Fine. I'll think about it. Speaking of Jamie Adams, isn't that his sister?" Jeremy asked, as an attractive blonde walked out of the clinic. She had on a slim-fitting blue dress under a white physician's coat. As she paused to check something on her phone, he couldn't help thinking that Charlie, as they used to call her, had grown up quite nicely.

"That's her. Charlotte—over here," Kent said with a wave.

She lifted her head and smiled, then walked over to join them. "Hi Kent." She paused, her eyes widening with recognition when she saw him. "Jeremy Holt? Is it really you? I don't think I've seen you since high school."

"I'm back."

"I can see that. How are you? Jamie tells me you're quite the hero, that the Army is going to run out of medals to give to you."

"He exaggerates."

"Really? I don't remember you being modest, Jeremy."

He laughed and tipped his head in acknowledgement. "Life experiences have a way of humbling you. So you're a doctor here at the clinic?"

"Yes. I'm an OB/GYN. I just delivered a happy, healthy boy to his very excited first-time parents. It never gets old." She paused. "And I'm not Charlotte Adams anymore. I got married last year to Joe Silveira, the chief of police. I don't know if you've met him…"

"Not yet," he said.

"Well, I'm sure you will. He's wonderful. Kent can attest to that."

"Best boss I've ever had," Kent said.

"I better go," Charlotte said. "I expect I'll be seeing you again soon. Angel's Bay has tripled in population since you left, but it's still a small town."

"You don't have to tell me that."

She laughed. "I left for a long time, too, Jeremy, but when I came back, I found it very difficult to leave. Be warned, Angel's Bay will put its spell on you."

"She's right," Kent said, as Charlotte walked away.

"I'm not in any danger of falling under the Angel's Bay spell, not while my father lives here."

"Have you seen your dad yet?"

"I saw him for about five minutes last week. I called first and told him I wanted to come by his apartment and talk to him about something important. I thought that might make him skip his afternoon cocktail, but I was wrong. His love affair with Jack Daniels is as strong as ever. I told him I had a daughter. That sent him on a rant of how irresponsible I'd always been. So I left. I don't need any further contact with him. Frankly, the last thing I want to do is expose Ashlyn to him."

"You need to talk to him when he's not drinking."

"And when would that be? He leaves before dawn to fish, and by afternoon he's back in the bar."

"I've had some sober conversations with him. In fact, I thought he'd been sober for several years. I have a feeling you coming home set him back."

"It doesn't matter. I've spent too many years of my life worrying about him; it's about Ashlyn now."

"Has she told you anything about her mother, their life, the robbery?"

"Absolutely nothing. I get only yes, no, and nonverbal answers. It's making me nuts, I have to admit."

"Well, you're used to getting quick results when you put your mind to something, but this is different."