Page 80 of Kiss Marry Kill

“I’m not sure I want her talking to some stranger. That’s just what we need, our family business getting spread all over town.”

“Mrs. Raiden, any professional who treats Janelle isn’t going to gossip about what they hear.”

Arching one thin brow, Angela said, “How can you be sure?”

“Well, it’s just not ethical.”

“Ha. If only that mattered to people.” Angela sniffed.

Janelle’s fingers tightened on my arm. “I don’t want to talk to someone else. Why can’t I just talk to you, Dr. Thornton? I trust you.”

I grimaced. “Oh, well, I’m not good at talking to people.”

“I think you are,” Janelle said.

I laughed awkwardly. “I’m really not. I’m a doctor of the body, not the mind.”

“You’ve always been very easy for me to talk to.”

“That’s kind of you to say, but…”

Janelle said, “You were much more open-minded about… things… than Sheriff Callum.”

I glanced at her mother, wondering how much she knew about what Janelle had been going through lately. Did she realize her daughter thought she was seeing ghosts?

“Sheriff Callum and I were on the same page, Janelle,” I said firmly.

She pressed her lips together. “No. I think you were definitely more open-minded, Dr. Thornton.”

I grimaced. “I think you misunderstood me, then.”

Janelle looked at her mother. “I… I’d like to speak to Dr. Thornton alone. Would you mind giving us some privacy?”

Scowling, Angela demanded, “Why can’t I stay?”

“I just want to talk to him privately.” Janelle’s voice wobbled. “Why is that a problem?”

“I don’t see why I should have to leave the room. I’m your mother.” Angela looked like she was about to stomp her foot like a toddler throwing a tantrum.

Janelle’s breathing picked up again, and her fingers tightened on my arm.

Seeing as I’d just gotten Janelle calmed, Angela’s stubborn attitude annoyed me. She was getting Janelle agitated again. “Is there some reason why Janelle can’t talk to her doctor in private? She’s an adult, after all.”

“I’m hermother.”

I frowned. “Yes. But HIPAA laws allow Janelle to keep her medical information private if she wants.”

“But,” Angela stammered. “Why would you get to know more than me?”

“It’s not a competition. And it’s up to Janelle, not me,” I said.

“You’re a stranger,” muttered Angela.

“He’s not a stranger,” Janelle disagreed. “I feel safe with Dr. Thornton.”

“But not with me?” Angela scowled.

“Mother, I just want a few moments alone with my doctor. Why are you being like this?”