Rather than argue, Jake knows me well enough not to push. “At least let me drop you there.”

“Fine.” I put the baby back in the car and recite the address. We drive wordlessly to her office. I tune in to the smashing of horns, distant ambulances, and the fiery scream of fire trucks.

“I’ll be waiting.” Jake hits his flashers in front of the building, and I give him a look. “Don’t challenge me, Rebecca. You’ll lose.” He crosses his arms—I can tell by the squeak of leather and the self-satisfied smirk he must wear on his face. “Meanwhile, leave the onesie here. I’m going to see what I can find out.”

I nod and gesture to the back seat. “Should I…”

“Leave him. He’s fine.”

I know he is probably fine with Jake, but I can’t let this baby out of my sight on principle. “No, I’ll take him.” I unstrap him and grab the diaper bag. “See you soon.”

“Yep.”

I shut the door and head inside. I’m not sure if Dr. Gibbons is even here yet or if she will be able to squeeze me in. But I decide right then and there to tell her everything that’s going on. I want a professional opinion about what I should do. Not from a cop. Not from my friends, but from someone who is trained to give me the benefit of the doubt.

“May I help you?”

The front desk person—different than the last time—speaks up.

“Is Dr. Gibbons in?”

They press a few buttons. “Go on up.”

I’m not offered help this time, but I remember my route to the elevator and that she’s on the eleventh floor. My fingers glide over the buttons, adjusting for error, until I land on eleven. I count my steps to the door and approach the receptionist’s desk. I’m told she’s with a client.

“Dr. Gibbons has back-to-back clients today. It’s not a drop-in situation,” her receptionist explains.

“This is an emergency.”

“I understand that, but she’s booked.”

“Is it okay if I wait until she’s done?”

The woman must nod or shake her head, but I take a seat anyway, clumsily fumbling with the chairs. A few minutes later, the door opens.

I stand and bounce the baby on my chest. Someone shuffles past and says good-bye to Dr. Gibbons.

“Rebecca, hi. You’re not on my schedule today. Are you okay?”

I open my mouth but I can’t find the words. Her arm is around me in an instant. Dr. Gibbons addresses her assistant. “Push my next two appointments.” She guides me into her office and I sit on the couch.

“Okay, what’s going on?”