Read Online Without Compromise by Becky Riker - Free Book Online Page A

their paths would diverge, “considering what that woman would have to put up with.”
    “You interested in going to get some supper?”
    She shook her head, “No thanks. I have plans.”
    He was curious about what those plans were, but he didn’t ask. He had already taken up a good deal of her day. Besides, he wanted to get back home so he could call Lowell again about that file.
    Lowell didn’t seem annoyed by the request for Tag’s files– just curious.
    “I don’t know why you want another shrink lookin’ at your file. One is bad enough.”
    Tag knew it sounded crazy, “I think Hanson has her own issues, and I should have the right to a second opinion.”
    “I’ll get them for you tomorrow.”
    Lowell did get the transcripts from Tag’s visit. Dr. Hanson refused to give up her notes, however.
    Three days later, Tag got a call from Molly.
    “You busy?”
    “Not really,” he finished wiping down his gun and put the oil and rag in the cupboard.
    “Do you mind if I come over there? My dad is here, and he’d like to talk to you.”
    “To tell me I really am misogynistic, I suppose.”
    “I doubt it.”
    “Door’s open,” he said before hanging up.
    “Hi, Tag. This is my dad, Sol Drake.”
    Tag rose as they entered, “Dr. Drake, it’s nice to meet you.”
    The other man extended his hand to grip Tag’s, “Nice to meet you too, Officer Madden.”
    “Please,” Tag pointed to the couch in an indication that the other man should have a seat, “it’s just Tag.”
    Drake smiled, “Strange. You wanted Dr. Hanson to call you Officer Madden.”
    “And what do you get from that?”
    “That you were annoyed and a bit defensive.”
    “Anything else?”
    “I don’t think you’re a woman-hater if that’s what you are getting at.”
    “I don’t think I am either, but it doesn’t matter what I think. If she thinks I am, I’ve got problems.”
    Drake glanced at his daughter. She smiled and stood up.
    “I’m going to go check on my spinach puffs.”
    Tag wondered what the psychologist was about to say.
    “How old a woman is Dr. Hanson?”
    Tag shrugged, “I’m not sure. Late thirties, early forties maybe.”
    “Married?”
    “No. At least I don’t think so. I’ve never talked to her except when the department made me.”
    “I think she finds you attractive and is annoyed by your behavior and, also, looking for a way to spend more time with you.”
    “I doubt it,” Tag hoped the man was wrong.
    “I wasn’t sure until I listened to the tape.”
    “Listened to the tape?”
    “I got a copy of the session recordings. Sometimes you can tell more by tone of voice than by the transcripts.”
    “How’d you manage that?”
    “I asked your sergeant for it when I mentioned my suspicion.”
    Tag groaned, “You didn’t really.”
    “I did.”
    Tag buried his face in his hands, “I will never hear the end of this.”
    “Sorry,” Drake laughed. “I didn’t realize I was causing more trouble for you.”
    What was done was done. Tag needed to know what was happening now.
    “What did Lowell say about the situation?”
    “He’s going to read what I gave him and request you go speak to the psychologist at another precinct.”
    “That would be nice,” Tag hoped some good would come out of this. “Although, I gotta say, I don’t think she has the hots for me. I think she’s got it in for me. She doesn’t believe in using force to accomplish our purpose.”
    Drake laughed at that, “She may be practicing in the wrong place.”
    Tag shrugged.
    The following day Lowell called him to tell him to go over to see the shrink in precinct three. Dr. Jolson cleared him after one visit.
    Tag called the first person he thought of.
    “Thanks for giving my file to your dad, Josie. I get to start back to work on Wednesday.”
    “I’m so glad, Tag. I know that means a lot to you.”
    “It does. I can’t thank you enough.”
    “It wasn’t just me, you know.”
    “I’ll send your father some