He sipped from his protein drink. “You’re missing a lot of work lately. Even though you’re caught up on your accounts, I can’t just let you make your own schedule. I’ll need documentation to support your absences.”

“Are you serious? Gretchen is getting evaluated to see how much of her memory is lost, and you think I’m making that up?”

“Nothing personal, Levine. I have to be a smart boss.” He took another drink and started to back away. “Have it on my desk in the morning. Or the hospital can fax it over tonight.” He turned his back and walked away without giving Jax another second to speak.

She clenched her jaw. Five years with the company, and she had earned nothing real. No trust, understanding, or even an ounce of compassion from the bastard. She couldn’t wait to get a new job.

Instead of driving to the convenience store down the street, Jax decided to walk and let the frigid air calm her. The biting wind distracted her from her anger, and the crispness filled her lungs. She grabbed legal pads and two packs of pens, so Gretchen could choose between blue and black ink. She hopped in her truck once she was done and started for the hospital. She made one stop at a home and garden store for the most elaborate cactus they had, and before she knew it, she was parking in the same exact spot she had occupied only hours earlier. She stepped into Gretchen’s room with five minutes to spare. Amanda and Gretchen looked at Jax in surprise.

“I know, I’m actually early.” She handed Gretchen the cactus and felt proud of the smile she received in return. “These are for you, too.” She placed the plastic bag of stationery on the bed and took off her jacket. “How did your walking go?”

Gretchen reached into the bag and pulled out the notepads. She turned them over before holding them to her chest. She looked up at Jax with tired eyes.

“She’s exhausted,” Amanda said. “And I think she’s nervous for her evaluation.”

“No.” Gretchen’s whisper was almost as quiet as the scratching of her pen against paper.

Going to ace it.

She thought about Gretchen’s earlier prediction and felt uneasy. “I bet you will,” she said.

“Hello again.” Dr. Melendez walked into the room and pulled one of the chairs up to the bedside. She motioned for Jax and Amanda to take seats as well. She sat back and pulled out her own memo pad. She also had a folder with her this time. “Are you ready, Gretchen?” She waited for Gretchen to confirm. “Try to answer verbally as much as you can. I know you’re having difficulty, but the more you try, the better.”

Gretchen nodded and then forced out a weak, “Okay.”

“Let’s get started. What is your full name?