Джонатан Келлерман: Night Moves

“This might be awkward but I’m calling about my boy. Bretty’s started having problems. I knew it would happen, he’s been too unemotional about... Chet... losing his dad. He was the one who really loved Chet. Chet cared about him... as much as he could anyone... anyway, Brett’s having problems.”

“Hold on,” I said. “I’ll go somewhere private.”

“Not necessary, Dr. Delaware. Lieutenant Sturgis already knows more about my family than anyone, right?”

I walked away, anyway. “What kind of problems?”

“Like I told you, he cried a bit at first but then stopped. Now it’s all the time. Sobbing. He thinks he’s hiding it from me but I hear it. Loud sobs. When he’s alone. After he’s gone to bed. In the morning, he’s been looking ghostly, has no appetite. His schoolwork was never great but it’s gone totally to pot, he won’t even pretend. And sports, his favorite thing? Forget that, no interest — he’s getting gaunt, Doctor. He doesn’t even torment Chelsea anymore. She’s being nicer to him but that’s not it, he ignores her. Ignores me. It’s like he’s become this sad, old, diminished man.”

She sniffled. Said, “Sorry,” and began sobbing. When she spoke again her voice was a burning pile of twigs.

“So anyway, Dr. Delaware, that’s the story with my Bretty. Would there be any way for you to see him? I’ve had so much bad luck with therapists and you know the situation. I know I wasn’t gracious when Chet tried to get you—”

“Let’s set up an appointment.”

“Oh. Great.” Sighing. “When?”

“Sooner’s better than later,” I said.

“Thank you, Doctor. I can’t tell you what it means to me. Is there any chance even today?”

I checked my calendar. “I can make it at six.”

“We’ll be there. Thank you, thank you.”

I notated the appointment. Returned to Milo.

He said, “People to do, places to meet?”

“You know me, Big Guy. Popular.”

“Bet you actually were in high school. What, a custody case?”

I said, “Another story.”