Free Suddenly One Summer by Barbara Freethy

Afghanistan, had half his hand blown off in an ambush, and is on permanent disability.”
    “That’s horrible,” Charlotte said, compassion filling her eyes.
    “I was about to head up the mountain to speak to him. I have a new address for him, at least it’s the one where his disability checks have been going.”
    “I’d like to go with you,” Charlotte said.
    He was taken aback by her request. “I don’t think so.”
    She straightened in her chair, and he saw a look of stubborn purpose enter her eyes.
    “I’m concerned about my patient’s well-being,” she said briskly.
    “This is police business, Dr. Adams.”
    “It’s also my business as her doctor. I want to see where she’s been living, and if the conditions will be good for her and her baby to return there.”
    “It’s not up to you where she goes when she leaves the hospital. Annie is eighteen. She doesn’t have to go back if she doesn’t want to.”
    “She’s also pregnant, with barely enough income to buy food, and how long her employment will last, considering her suicide attempt and her pregnancy, is anyone’s guess. She will need help. She may not have any other alternative but to return home.”
    “Do you always get this involved with your patients?” he asked curiously.
    “Annie might legally be an adult, but she is also a young girl who is so scared of something or someone that she tried to kill herself and her baby. The more I know about her background, the more I’ll be able to help her.”
    “You didn’t answer my question.”
    Charlotte sighed. “No, I don’t always get this involved, but Annie is different.”
    “How so?”
    She hesitated and then shrugged. “Her case just means something to me. So can I go with you to meet her father?”
    Joe knew it was a bad idea for a lot of reasons, but somehow he heard himself say yes, and Charlotte’s answering smile made him want to say yes to anything else she asked of him. Shoving that idea out of his head, he got up from his chair and waved her toward the door. “Let’s go. I need to get back before the festival starts.”
    Charlotte followed him out to his squad car. She buckled her seat belt while he turned the key in the ignition, acutely aware of how close she was sitting to him. He cleared his throat and told himself to get a grip. This was business, not personal.
    “Thanks for this,” Charlotte said. “I know it’s not protocol.”
    “I appreciate your concern for your patient,” he said as he pulled out of the parking lot.
    They didn’t speak for a few minutes. He had a lot of things he wanted to say, wanted to ask her, but every question seemed to lead down the dangerous path of getting to know her better.
    “You know, I haven’t met your wife yet,” Charlotte said, breaking the silence between them.
    His hands tightened on the steering wheel. “Rachel has been in and out of town. She’s still wrapping up our life in Los Angeles.”
    “You must miss her.”
    “I do,” he said quickly and emphatically.
    “How long have you been married?”
    “Nine years, but we’ve been together since we were fifteen.”
    “High school sweethearts?” Charlotte asked. “That’s amazing. You must know each other so well.”
    “I thought we did.” As soon as he said the words, he regretted them. “I’m sure you’ll meet her soon enough.” He paused. “What about you?”
    “I’m not married, if that’s what you’re asking. I left this town when I was eighteen to go to college, and then it was on to medical school, internship, and residency. Suddenly, I realized it had been thirteen years since I’d been home for more than a weekend or two.” She took a breath. “It’s both familiar and strange to be back here now.”
    “I understand your father was the local minister for what—thirty years?”
    “Thirty-four. He died in February.”
    “Right. I heard that. I’m sorry.”
    “Thanks.”
    “Is that why you came back?”
    “Yes, though I didn’t