Kit chuckled. “Was I looking pitiful?”

The answer on the woman’s face was easy to read.

“Really, I’m fine. I have a counseling appointment in another hour—and my arm aches from PT, so I thought I’d just sit here rather than wandering around town.”

“That makes sense.” The woman tilted her head. “I’m Regina, and you’re Frankie’s friend? When I saw her last night at the diner, she asked me to watch out for you.”

That was totally Frankie. “Yes, and it’s Kit. I’ve enjoyed watching you. You’re like a New York City traffic cop, sending patients, residents, police officers, and health staff to the right places at the right times.”

Regina chuckled. “There are days it’s more like trying to steer a batch of grizzlies.”

Kit laughed. “Yet you’re enjoying it.”

“You betcha. It sure beats sitting at home. Or it used to. My daughter and her husband moved back here from the Lower 48 last winter.” Regina’s eyes were all alight. “They presented me with my first grandchild last month. My days have gotten lively.”

“Congratulations on the new baby.”

“Thank you.” Regina beamed. “If I might ask, what do you do for a living when you’re not laid up?”

Kit smiled. Regina reminded her of the Hermitage guys. Right to the point, but with no malice. Just interest. “Before I married and got pressured into the Patriot Zealots”—a nod showed Regina understood—“I worked in a garden nursery and did landscape design with an emphasis on natural systems.”

“Interesting. Did you like it?”

“Yes. I miss it so much. It’s the best of all worlds, really. Helping the earth to be more beautiful and productive. And helping people too. I like people”—Kit half-grinned—“um, in small numbers.”

“I hear you.” Regina laughed. “Put me at a party where I have to make small talk in a group, and hell, I’d rather go bare-ass ice swimming. But this”—she waved at her reception desk—“it’s like you said. Helping people. Keeping things working right.”

The phone at Regina’s desk rang. She gave Kit’s knee a quick pat, then bustled across the room to answer.

Kit returned to people watching.

A person went into the police station, two more into the health clinic. Not a busy day. After studying the receptionist desk, the off-white walls and hardwood floors, she was bored silly. Next time, she’d bring a book and a thermos of coffee.

She eyed the glass-fronted doors to the street. Wasn’t there a coffee shop around here?

No, girl. Coffee isn’t in the budget. No. She was being extremely careful with the money Frankie had loaned her. It had to go a long way.

To her right, a man said, “Kit” in a smooth, dark voice.

She jumped and squeaked when she twisted too fast.