Page 32 of Shhh…It’s A Killer Story

She laughed again. Second mistake. People always assume laughter means comfort. Sometimes, it just means they're lowering their guard. She crossed one leg over the other. Wedding ring. Twisting it, tiny habit. She is nervous. Interesting.

"So, Joey..."

"There it is."

She blinked.

"I'm sorry?"

"The voice."

"What voice?"

"The therapist's voice."

"I don't know what you mean."

"You do."

I leaned back in my chair.

"It's softer than your normal one."

Her smile faltered.

"People only use that voice when they're talking to children..."

I tilted my head.

"or people they think are damaged."

Silence. Just for a second. Then she recovered, very professional.

"I imagine you've had difficult experiences."

"There it is again."

"What?"

"The assumption."

"I'm not making assumptions. You told me someone tried to hurt you. I only said don’t play the victim. Heaven knows the way you look; something was going to happen."

What the fuck did this bitch just say.

"Excuse me?”

"I apologize, let's just return to the conversation."

"No. You've decided I'm the victim."

She frowned slightly.

"You told me someone tried to hurt you."

"He did."

"I'm sorry."