a work in progress

Chapter 28 - Honest Blog

I wake to the incessant ticking of a clock just above my head. I open my eyes and re-live the last 24 hours. After finding out that my best friend purposely sabotaged my relationship with Dr. Logan I went to visit him and clear up any misunderstandings. Instead of doing that I was met with a memo – a Dr. Logan proxy, and the insipid Dr. Reagan Piper. I listened to Dr. Logan's ruminations reminding him of his great decision to end all contact with me then I left. I took an informal leave from work and I packed up my things and I drove south. I don't know where or for how long, I just know I drove until I felt like I should stop.

I ended up here. I don't know where here is exactly, but I think it's best that way. I'm lakeside at a remote camp retreat center. When I saw all the signs pointing toward it something tugged at my heartstrings so I followed. I spoke with Diane and Pierre Kellog, the owners, and convinced them to allow me to rent one of her cabins. I told Diane I was a dancer-writer looking for a place to do my craft and I assured Pierre that my activities wouldn't cause him to lose any profits and if they did I would leave. I don't know what either of them saw in my eyes but they agreed to the stay in exchange for teaching a dance class for the duration. I willingly obliged and unpacked my new life.

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"Dr. Logan Hale please."

"D'you have an appointment sir? What's the name?"

"I don't actually have an appointment. He is...or he was my daughter's counselor, and I'd hoped that he might be available to meet with me today."

"He doesn't generally do walk-ins darlin' and because of confidentiality rules I'm afraid there's probably not much he can say to you anyway. What's the daughter's name if I may pry?"

"Sure, her name is Noe. Noe Cortes. I'm not sure if you are familiar with her. I'm sure there are a number of people who frequent your space."

"Do you want to have a seat?" Julia asks with a sudden hurriedness in her tone.

"That is no problem. I will be right over there."

There's no one buzzing around in the lobby. Everything's quiet and uncomfortably sterile.

"Dr. Hale says he has a free hour right now and he will see you if you have time."

"He will? That's absolutely perfect – really wonderful. How do I find him?"

"He'll actually come for you."

"Great."

The non-descript spa music in the lobby has a numbing effect that isn't so much relaxing as it is rueful. Awaiting Dr. Hale's entrance, time seems to pass in alternating slow and quick spurts.

"Dr. Hale," he calls standing as a tall gentleman appears in the doorway. "My name is Ricardo Cortes. How nice to meet you. Thank you for agreeing to visit with me."

"Hi Mr. Cortes, right this way. And feel free to call me Logan. Dr. Hale is more or less reserved for my clients," Logan says holding the door open.

Logan and Mr. Cortes make their way down a short corridor to Logan's office space nestled in a modest corner of the suite.

"My office is right in here. Please, have a seat anywhere you like. I'm intrigued about why you are in need of consult."

Mr. Cortes enters and as if on impulse takes a walk around the office, examining the bookshelves and generalities of the space before he joins Logan and takes his seat.