CHAPTER TWENTY SIX – SUSPICIOUS EMPLOYEE

As Joan headed back to her office, her mind was a whirlwind of conflicting thoughts. On one hand, she was elated by her breakthrough with Emily and her growing friendship with Maria. On the other, the nagging suspicion about Tom gnawed at her. Should she say something? To Dr. Green? To Maria? Or was she risking her position, her credibility, over what might be nothing more than overactive imagination? Joan sank into her chair, staring at the pile of case files on her desk. She had come so far, gained so much confidence in her abilities. But now, faced with this dilemma, she felt as lost and uncertain as she had on her first day. With a sigh, she picked up Emily's file, forcing herself to focus on the task at hand. Whatever was going on with Tom, she couldn't let it distract her from her patients. They needed her, and for now, that had to be enough. But as she worked, a small voice in the back of her mind whispered that sooner or later, she would have to confront her suspicions. The