The Seer by Clifford Beck - HTML preview

Chapter 39

The team met at Tom's house early on Saturday afternoon. The main building of AMHI was too big to explore in one night, but with the help of a map Tom had acquired from the state, he limited the investigation to the patient units, and a few treatment areas. Between planning, organizing equipment, and the drive to Augusta, their meeting was early, which meant more detailed preparation, focusing on safety. Gordon arrived only moments before Donna. They parked side-by-side, and getting out of their cars, briefly made eye contact. Neither needed to be a psychiatrist to read each other’s expression, and both were concerned about the other’s feelings, knowing that any discomfort, or rejection, created by their awkward encounter could make things difficult within the team. It could stand in the way of any relationship that might develop in the future. Gordon and Donna insisted on behaving as adults, and there would be no arguments, no blame, or resentment. As they walked toward the house, Gordon expressed his concern.

Donna momentarily broke eye contact, leaving Gordon to believe that she was still hurt.

“Um, I'm doin' okay,” she replied. “Just having an off day.”

Stopping near the bottom of the steps, Gordon gently took her arm, and turned her toward him.

“Look,” he began. “I'd like us to spend some time together.”

Donna looked up at him with a gentle smile.

“I’ve got some personal things going on. So, when I get this shit sorted out, I'd like to call you sometime, okay?”

Donna's smile broadened as her hardened exterior, again, began to melt away.

“Yeah, okay,” she replied.

Putting a hand on the back of her shoulder, Gordon directed her back toward the house, but as they neared the top of the steps, he leaned toward her, and whispered into her ear.

“We should try to keep this to ourselves,” he began. “We don't want the team to get the wrong idea.” Donna giggled slightly, and leaning back to Gordon, whispered, “Especially Fraser.”

Gordon, fully understanding her remark, agreed completely.

Reaching the top of the steps Gordon and Donna were startled when Tom flung the door open.

“Hey guys, come on in,” he said.

Although Gordon already knew of Tom's plans to investigate AMHI, he became far more interested when he saw Tom's excitement.

As they sat at the kitchen table, Gordon was struck by an uncomfortable feeling, and glancing up, discovered Fraser's resentful glare burning into him. It was obvious that Fraser had, at some point, become aware of the closeness that had developed between Donna and Gordon. Yet, having not become involved, there was nothing to hide.