Read Without Faith for Free Online Page A

two of you. I am not sure what it is that you want, either one of you”—I eyed Jenellis—“but I can give you a list of other therapists in the area who you can contact and interview to find the best fit for your needs. I’m sorry, I’m not the one.” I held the money back out to them, but neither one of them reached for it.
    â€œYou passed.” Brayden smiled and sat back.
    â€œWhat is going on here?” The money was still extended in my hand. “You told me that you had an urgent matter. That is why I agreed to see you. We’re out of time now, but I still do not see what the emergency is.”
    â€œTwenty-four hours.”
    Both Jenellis and I looked at Brayden with confusion.
    â€œTwenty-four hours,” he repeated. “By this time tomorrow, both of you will understand why we are so pressed for time.”
    â€œI wish you would just tell me,” Jenellis hissed at him before turning her attention to me. “For the past two weeks, all Brayden has been saying to me is that by this Friday, I’ll know all there is to know about him. I can’t stand the secrets. He wants me to trust him. I’m trying to, but in so doing, I need him to trust me too.”
    â€œTwenty-four hours. It will all make sense.” Brayden never looked at her, his eyes only bore into mine. “I’m going to leave the money with you for now, Ms. St. James. If by tomorrow evening, you are still intent on not helping me and my fiancée, I will come and get every last bill back from you. Thanks for your time. Let’s go, Jenellis.” He stood and headed toward the door.
    I saw Jenellis’s hesitation, but she walked out right beside him.
    â€œWait.” I followed them, the money still in my hands. “I’m not keeping this. You’re going to have to take it back.”
    But they were already about to pass through the waiting area, and did not even turn around to speak to or acknowledge me.
    â€œMr. Moore and Ms. Walker,” I demanded, marching right behind them. “Wait a minute.” My one o’clock client, a twenty-something Asian woman with a severe anxiety problem, was sitting on a couch fumbling through a magazine as I practically ran after them.
    â€œMs. St. James,” she gasped, her hands starting to shake. “Is everything okay?”
    Jenellis and Brayden were gone. The money was still in my hand. My client was on the verge of a panic attack.
    â€œYes, Li, everything is okay.” I followed her eyes to the stack of bills in my hand. Smiling, I slipped them into the back of my notepad. “You can come in my office now.”
    I kept a smile on my face to help ease her nerves and she managed a small smile as well. I was doing well keeping up the façade as we settled into our seats—until I noticed that there was a small sheet of paper peeking from behind the sofa pillow where Jenellis had been sitting.
    Somehow, Li and I made it through the session, me going through the motions of listening and encouraging; her appearing to be getting her weekly dose of help. The moment Li left, I reached for the torn scrap and read exactly what I had expected to see.

    Please find out if this man is violent. I don’t know who else to turn to without there being major consequences.

    â€œSee you next week, Li.” I followed my client out, the paper a mashed ball in my hand. My two o’clock, a middle-aged woman with an anger management problem and my final appointment for the day, was waiting.
    â€œIt’s about time you got out here.” She looked up at the wall clock to emphasize my three-minute lateness. “I’m getting real tired of having to wait for you every week.”
    â€œOkay, Ms. Sherry, let’s get started.” I smiled. I had to put up a front for at least one more hour.

Chapter 6
    â€œYou should try the salmon. I know how much you like seafood.” Leon’s bald head almost