Read That Summer Night (Callaways #6) for Free Online

be easier to deal with than the terrible memories and regrets that kept running through her head.
    "You didn't do anything wrong," Reid said, putting his hands on her knees. "You acted on instinct."
    "The instinct to save myself."
    "You were across the room, weren't you?"
    "Yes, but I could have moved. I should have moved."
    "And you think your body would have stopped those bullets from hitting your patient?"
    "It's possible."
    "Shayla, you know that's not what would have happened. You would have both died."
    "But at least I would have tried."
    "It sounds like it happened too fast for you to move a step. The brain's desire to protect itself is a powerful force. You know that. Your mind told you to dive for cover, and that reflex action saved your life."
    "You're making excuses, trying to make me feel better, but nothing can make me feel better." She pushed his hands aside and got to her feet. "I need some air."
    She walked out to the deck. The air had finally cooled after the long, hot day, and a brilliantly clear sky filled with stars eased some of the tightness in her chest. She stood there for several minutes just letting the breath move in and out of her chest, as she tried to clear her brain. She told herself to focus on the present, on the lights of San Francisco, the Golden Gate Bridge, the large cruise ship making its way across the bay.
    A moment later she heard Reid come up behind her. For a moment she thought he might put his arms around her, and shockingly enough, she found herself wishing he would do just that. He had a broad chest, strong arms. A woman could feel safe in his embrace.
    But he didn't touch her. He stood next to her, gazing out at the view, his hands tucked away in the pockets of his jeans.
    There was silence between them now, the only sounds coming from the distant traffic and the soft lapping of water against the side of the boat. She was starting to understand why Reid liked living out here.
    "Not so bad, is it?" Reid asked.
    "Not so bad," she echoed. "Do you have neighbors?"
    "A few. Some of the houseboats are used as vacation rentals. I rarely run into anyone."
    "It doesn't get lonely?"
    "I know where to find the action, if I want it."
    "The Cadillac Lounge?"
    "Among others." He fell silent, his gaze back on the view. Then he added, "It's going to be okay, Shayla."
    "Is it?" she asked, not at all sure okay was even a remote possibility.
    "With time, yes. You won't forget, but you'll find a way to go on. Because that's all you can do."
    "You sound like you speak from experience."
    He shot her a quick look. "Unfortunately, I do."
    She stared back at him. "I have nightmares every night. I haven't slept for more than a few hours at a time since I got back. When I close my eyes, I see the gunman and the wide, shocked eyes of the man I was supposed to help." She bit down on her bottom lip. "Tonight was the first time I said any of that out loud."
    "You need to talk, to let it out."
    "Really? That doesn't sound like the kind of advice a man like you would take."
    He tipped his head. "We're not talking about me."
    "Why would I be different?"
    "Because you are."
    "The Chief of Psychiatry at St. Paul's, the hospital where I work, called me yesterday and said his door was always open. He had spoken to Tom, another resident, who was in Colombia with me. Tom had gone in for some counseling and suggested I might need some, too. But I couldn't talk to him. I said I'd think about it."
    "Tell me about Tom. Was he injured in the attack?"
    "No, he wasn't at the clinic at all. He was back in the apartment building where we were staying. He didn't know anything until the local police got him out of his apartment and took him to the embassy. They evacuated us out of the country the next morning."
    "Just you and Tom?"
    She nodded. "We were the only Americans besides Robert. The other members of our team were from Australia and Germany. They were also sent home, but not with us."
    "Have you talked to Tom about your