Expired Cache - Lisa Phillips Page 0,5
while now. The same as with all those other times, he just couldn’t let the words settle in. Not in a way that it satisfied what was inside him. Dean only used the words to fuel him on.
He’d survived his childhood with his sanity intact. That had been a feat in itself. Then, Dean had gone into the Navy. He’d done one of the toughest jobs in the world.
Had he come out of that with a sense of satisfaction? Not the way most would think.
Will satisfaction come with this new venture?
God hadn’t answered his question yet.
“This isn’t going to be a medical facility. It’ll be a voluntary residency, and a place people can attend group meetings or get one-on-one treatment that’s highly specialized. I want to take on a certain client group.”
People who had been where he’d been, and needed help the way he had. Dean was determined to give back. To be the man he knew he could be. Someone people wanted in their lives. Sure, he had friends. But there was so much he was missing.
Love. A family.
“The case studies are fascinating. I had no idea you’ve been doing all this since I helped you get licensed.”
His stomach clenched. He felt like he was trying to pass an interview for the career he’d always dreamed of. “Having your support will go a long way to legitimizing a treatment center.”
“You know, I’d love to put in some hours alongside you.”
“You would?” The doctor had helped Dean get all his licenses and certifications, he’d been invaluable signing off on Dean’s work so far.
“The chance to be on the cutting edge of PTSD therapy? Fascinating.” The doctor took a sip of his coffee. “You know, I have a friend at the Pentagon. I’m going to make a call. He might be interested in taking a look, maybe secure some backing to get you referrals. Cases they’d like you to take on.”
“You think so?” When the doctor nodded, Dean continued, “It’s been nearly four years since I left the Navy. A lot of my contacts there have dried up.” So far, he’d treated a few friends and a couple of locals who’d sought him out.
“Even with those roommates of yours, word hasn’t gotten out?”
Dean said, “They all work private security now. There are occasional government contracts, but those aren’t the norm.”
His roommates were currently halfway across the world, working a job. Only one was home with Dean and Ted. Dividing the chores between the three of them until the rest of the boys got back was going to earn them at least a month of freedom. The house was fifteen thousand square feet. It took forever to clean all that, even with Ted’s squadron of seriously modified robot vacuums.
“I’ll bend some ears. See what I can come up with.”
“But you think it’ll work.”
The doctor nodded. “More than think. This is a great idea, Dean. Something noble the town should be able to get behind.”
“Thank you.” That was high praise. The kind that made him want to sit taller in a way that usually didn’t happen outside the military.
“You really think you can take it on, on top of your…work?”
Dean said, “Being the town’s informal EMT is something I don’t think I’ll ever stop doing.” Even if the constant phone calls sometimes drove him crazy. “Though, I’ve thought about shifting it to more of a concierge thing.”
“You’ll charge people?”
“Of course not.” He shook his head. “I prefer the muffin baskets anyway.”
Gilane looked at him like he’d grown another head beside the one he already had.
Dean said, “I’ll figure it out. If folks know I’m working on something that can help those who need it, they might chip in and take some of the strain. Or, they’ll have a mind to what I’m doing and call less for incidental injuries.”
“Or you could take on a partner. Get help with the EMT duties.”
“I always figured that would come from the actual EMTs.” Dean shot the doctor a wry smile.
“They give you grief?” Gilane frowned. “I can speak to them if you’d like.”
Dean shook his head. “It’s fine.”
But the doctor didn’t let it go. “Anything you need, Dean. You let me know.” He nodded. “No matter what it is, I’m here to support you.”
“Thank you.” What else would he say? He’d expected to have to fight for what he wanted in order to convince the doctor this was the right thing. “I just need a location and the resources to pull it off.”
It wasn’t like Dean