Prequel to The Syncode

Chapter 2

Joanne was practically bouncing around the clinic, anticipating Julian Holmes' appointment in less than fifteen minutes. Vigorously going over the exam room, front desk area and waiting room, she checked and double checked that all was in order as she tidied up, putting away stray papers and organizing even the smallest clutter .

It was the end of the day, and he was scheduled again as the last patient. As before, the building was empty of patients and staff, save for Joanne and the doctor, who was again back in his office typing out his notes.

The butterflies in her stomach returned. What was it about Julian Holmes? He was certainly attractive. Although much older than Jo, age was just a number as far as she was concerned. Remembering their conversation a week ago, she could hear his refined, cultured voice, and picture the vast intelligence behind those eyes.

It was that very intelligence that made her self-conscious. Not one to be eloquent in either speech or dress, Joanne felt inadequate in his presence, and prayed she wouldn't say or do anything stupid as she usually seemed to around those she wanted to make a good impression on.

Movement outside the window caught her attention. The cab was pulling up now. He had mentioned at the end of his last visit that he took a small boat from Patos Island up in the northern Puget Sound to Edmonds, and from there caught the cab to and from the marina.

Wanting to go out and see Julian in, she decided against it as he had again brought his assistant, and were currently making their way to the up the steps. It wouldn't do to appear too eager. Instead, she greeted them, opening the door.

"Julian! Henry! Nice to see you guys again. How's that foot?"

Inwardly cringing as soon as the words were out of her mouth, she realized it wasn't professional to discuss his medical condition in front of others, even though it appeared Julian had known Henry for a long time. She assumed he knew all about it anyway, yet it was best not to say too much, in case his employer had chosen to reveal only the bare minimum.

And she had called these two elegant men 'guys'. Ughhh!

Appearing not to notice her gaff, Julian smiled tightly, his bearing even more reserved than last time. He seemed preoccupied with something.

"Good evening, Miss Hartwell," was all he said in greeting, shaking her hand briskly. Something had changed, but she had no idea what. His dark eyes were guarded as he studied her. "The pain is much better today, thank you."

He was again immaculately dressed in a three piece suit. A gold chain instead of silver now adorned the pocket watch fob, which was a stunning onyx encrusted with tiny diamonds. The seductive fragrance was the same as she remembered, the subtle colors and textures of it stirring her senses. She had meant to ask him if it was his soap, cologne or both; but the closed look on his face kept her silent.

What was it about this man that affected her so? Those piercing eyes, his exotic scent and refined, genteel manner, as well as the air of danger and intrigue that surrounded him. Although fifteen years older than Joanne, she found herself smitten. Which was why his current attitude bothered her more than she cared to admit.

Henry was on his phone texting the moment he sat down. He had been glued to the thing the last time they were here as well, Joanne mused. For the second time, the thought occurred to her that he really was more than just Julian's arranger of transport, as her patient had stated earlier.

Bringing him back to the exam room, she again settled him in the chair, and entered his notes in the computer. Keeping the conversation to a bare minimum, she stuck to only pertinent information regarding his gouty foot and arthritis, while pondering questions of a different kind.