The Stranger You Know (Forensic Instincts 3)

“How did it go?” Ryan asked, grasping Claire’s hand.

“A lot of crying today,” she responded, her voice watery. “The doctor says we’re making progress, but recovery from this kind of trauma will take a long time.” Her hand went to her neck, and she rubbed the area that was still sore from Glen’s brutal choke holds.

Casey didn’t look much better. Even with the relief of knowing both her tormenters were dead, she was perpetually jumpy and nervous, and her nightmares were bad. Hutch had used a chunk of his vacation time to stay up here in Manhattan with her. That was helping.

There was a long emotional road yet to travel, and both women knew it. But they also knew they’d reach the other end, never the same but able to move on.

“It’s important that Claire and I do this in joint sessions,” Casey said quietly. “The psychiatrist agrees. Claire and I went through the ordeal together, so together we can help each other heal.”

“Yes, you can. And you will.” Hutch sounded adamant. He reached up to caress Casey’s cheek. “Just don’t forget you’ve got a powerful support team.”

“We know.” She gave him a small smile. “That means everything, to Claire and to me.” A pause. “Almost as much as the fact that you saved our lives.”

Marc rose and pulled over another chair, which he wriggled in next to the one Captain Sharp had vacated. Everyone shifted to make room, and Casey and Claire sat down and joined their friends.

Before returning to his own seat, Marc signaled to Mike, the bar owner, who was tight with the entire Forensic Instincts team.

A few minutes later, he appeared at their table, personally delivering two mojitos, one of his signature drinks. “On the house,” he announced, placing the glasses in front of the women.

Casey and Claire were delighted, as Mike’s mojitos were everybody’s favorites.

Hutch raised his glass, waiting for everyone else at the table to raise theirs and to join in the group toast. “To togetherness,” he said simply.

A look of friendship and understanding passed through the group as they silently counted their blessings and found strength in one another.

“Togetherness,” they echoed in chorus.

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