"I'll deal with it when the time comes."
The building that housed Dr.
Lucas's private practice was unassuming, but his offices were warm and inviting.
The waiting room was paneled in dark wood and the walls covered in a mixture of pictures of infants and children.
Parenting magazines covered the tables and were neatly stored in racks, while the dedicated play area was tidy and supervised.
I signed in and took a seat, but I'd barely sat when I was called back by the nurse.
I was taken to Dr.
Lucas's office, not an exam room, and he rose from his chair when I entered, rounding the desk quickly.
"Eva."
He held out his hand and I shook it.
"You didn't have to make an appointment."
I managed a smile.
"I didn't know how else to reach you."
"Have a seat."
I sat, but he remained standing, choosing to lean back against the desk and grip the edges with both hands.
It was a power position, and I wondered why he felt the need to use it with me.
"What can I do for you?" he asked.
He had a calm, confident air and a wide, open smile.
With his good looks and affable manner, I was sure any mother would have confidence in his skill and integrity.
"Gideon Cross was a patient of yours, wasn't he?" His face closed instantly and he straightened.
"I'm not at liberty to discuss my patients."
"When you gave me that 'not at liberty to discuss' line at the hospital, I didn't put it together, and I should have."
My fingertips drummed into the armrest.
"You lied to his mother.
Why?" He returned to the other side of his desk, putting the furniture between us.
"Did he tell you that?" "No.
I'm figuring this out as I go.
Hypothetically speaking, why would you lie about the results of an exam?" "I wouldn't.
You need to leave."
"Oh, come on."