Free Awash (The Forgotten Coast Florida Suspense Series Book 6) by Dawn Lee McKenna Page A

act.”
    “Remorse?”
    “Actually, rapists aren’t known for being remorseful,” Callahan said. “Rape is an act of arrogance, of entitlement. The fact that that arrogance hides a lack of self-worth doesn’t really matter. So, no, I wouldn’t say remorse exactly.”
    Maggie thought for a moment. “What about repair?”
    “How do you mean?”
    “She was a virgin,” Maggie said.
    “Really,” Callahan said quietly. “Give me a moment.”
    Maggie chewed the corner of her lip and let the woman think a moment.
    “Her virginity could have meant something to him,” Callahan finally said. “Whether it surprised him or not. Yes, in a sense, he might have been trying to ‘put it back,’ for lack of a better term.”
    “Have you ever dealt with that, or heard about that motivation before?”
    “Well, like I said, it’s not my area. So, no, not personally, but it makes sense from a psychological standpoint.”
    “Okay,” Maggie said, thinking.
    “I don’t think I’ve helped you much,” Dr. Callahan said.
    “You have. I’m just not sure how yet,” Maggie said.
    “Well, I have a patient due any moment, but if you need anything else, let me know,” Dr. Callahan said.
    “I will. Thank you.”
    They hung up, and Maggie sat for a few minutes, staring at the small sable palm outside her window. Maggie felt disconnected from the world the palm inhabited. The windows in their building didn’t open; the palm’s fronds swayed silently in a wind that Maggie couldn’t hear or feel, like a movie with the sound turned off. She was inside, where terrible things were considered and pursued, and the tree was out in the right world, the one that wasn’t broken.
    She tore her eyes from the window when her cell phone rang. She looked down and saw that it was Bennett Boudreaux’s number.
    She’d never added his name to her list of contacts, despite the fact that they’d talked on the phone several times in the five months she’d known him. It had been a conscious decision. If Wyatt had ever looked over her shoulder and asked who was calling, she would have told him without hesitation. But having his name pop up seemed like it would make her and Boudreaux’s relationship more legitimate than it should be.
    She was so distracted that she almost neglected to answer, and she hurriedly picked up the phone and connected before it went to voice mail.
    “Hello,” she said.
    “Hello, Maggie,” Boudreaux said smoothly, and the familiar timber of his voice was somehow comforting. She realized that she’d missed him the last few weeks.
    “Hello, Mr. Boudreaux,” she answered.
    “How have you been?”
    “I’m fine. Thank you. How are you?”
    “I’m well, thank you.” He paused a moment. “I was wondering if you could stop by and see me for just a few minutes.”
    Maggie was slightly surprised to find that she’d really like to do that. “Today?”
    “Yes. I don’t want to impose, but it’s something I do need to talk to you about today,” he answered. “I was hoping you could come by the house.”
    “Okay,” Maggie answered. “Well. I’m leaving the office shortly, but I do have another stop I need to make.” She looked at her watch. “Would six be okay?”
    “That would be fine,” Boudreaux said. “I appreciate it, Maggie. I’m afraid I need to ask a favor of you.”
    “A favor? Is this a professional favor?”
    “I hope I wouldn’t ever do that,’ he replied smoothly, without offense. “This is personal.”
    “Okay. Well, I’ll be there around six,” Maggie said.
    “Thank you, Maggie,” he said. They were both silent for a moment. “I look forward to seeing you,” he said quietly.
    For whatever reason, a reason she didn’t take the time to identify at any rate, Maggie didn’t feel right returning the sentiment. “I’ll see you then,” she said instead, and disconnected the call.
    She sat at her desk for a moment. On the one hand, she felt a slow, shallow dread at the idea of