“What brings you here, Zoe?” asked the smiling Dr. Emily Eisdorfer, a petite woman in her fifties with curly, black, shoulder-length hair.

Before she answered the therapist, Zoe had picked up a Jolly Rancher candy from the bowl on the coffee table between them. She popped a green sour apple candy into her mouth and then looked over at her husband. His single raised brow signaled that she should speak. Zoe took a deep breath and exhaled. “Well, my husband thinks I get too excited and involved in certain activities.”

“What kinds of activities?” asked the therapist.

“News and crime stories,” said Zoe.

“Can you be more specific?” said the doctor.

“I have a natural curiosity and an interest in justice for all,” said Zoe. “I probably should have gone into law enforcement but that ship has sailed. I find crime and criminals and what makes them tick fascinating.”

“And this has become a problem?” said Dr. Eisdorfer.

“Not a problem for me, but my husband thinks I get too obsessed over criminal investigations.”

“Do you mean reading about them?” asked the therapist, crinkling her brow. “Or do you actually get involved?”

“Well,” said Zoe, swallowing, “that depends—”

“May I interrupt,” said Conner, exasperation evident in his voice because of his wife’s lack of candor. “I’m a special agent with the FBI. My wife and I have been married for two years. During that time, she has become increasingly enmeshed in crime, murder investigations, drug cartels, and dark money.”

“I’m not enmeshed,” Zoe protested. “That’s a very strong word. It implies I can’t separate myself from the crimes I investigate. I totally can. It’s just my hobby.”

“Tell Dr. Eisdorfer what you and your friend Sean do for entertainment on your mornings off,” said Conner.

“We hang out, drink coffee. Go shopping.”

“And…?” said Conner staring her down.

“We walk around the neighborhood and people-watch,” said Zoe. “Take a stroll in Central Park.”

“It feels like we’re dancing around an issue,” said Dr. Eisdorfer gently. “Why don’t you just tell me why you’re here, Zoe.”

“My wife isn’t telling you the full story,” said Conner, jumping in as Zoe’s face fell. “She and her friend don’t only drink coffee and take long walks. They think they’re Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson. They read the local papers, go to crime scenes and try to solve cases in their spare time. They get in the way of law enforcement. Most of the time, it’s benign, but occasionally, they go too far and get in the way of real criminal investigations. I’ve received several complaints.”

“I see,” said Dr. Eisdorfer, making a note. “Getting involved in criminal investigations is probably not a great idea, Zoe.”