922: Vengeance (New Species Series)

Dr. Mina Danaher sighed boxing up the last of her stuff for the move. She has been absolutely amazed when she had gotten the call from Justice North that she got the job. She knew there had to be several hundred applicants for the position of crisis counselor for the New Species. The honor and responsibility of that weighed heavy on her. Having no family, she vowed to do her best to make sure they healed better then she had.

“I’m gonna miss ya, first Daisy now you.” The older woman said, trying not to cry.

“We’re off to change the world mama.” Mina responded, knowing the older woman understood Mina called her mom as a sign of respect.

“I know but what am I gonna do now?” She sobbed into a Kleenex.

“You still got the girls.” Mina nodded to the four dogs bouncing around the back yard enjoying the late spring day after being cooped up in the house all winter. The woman laughed as Mina locked the storage room. The older woman hugged her one last time before letting Mina get into her car and drive off.  Mina glanced in the rear-view mirror and saw a photo of her ex-boy-fiend. After several years in a committed relationship, he broke up with her completely out of the blue over a year ago. She thought it had been a tantrum until she found out he went back to one of his other ex’s. She realized she was clenching the steering wheel and forced herself to relax.

“So not worth it” she reminded herself. She reached up and pull the photo down and held it out the window a moment before letting it go.

“The past, is in the past.”

***

“I don’t think this is a good idea,” Slade said standing next to Trisha. “Don’t you remember what happened last time?”

“That’s the exact reason that we requested this replacement. Doctor Mina Danaher comes highly recommended. She was top of her class and has a specialty for victims of traumatic rape.” Justice said with a sigh.

“Traumatic rape? She’s for the Gifts?” Trisha asked surprised.

“Yes, I’d never have exposed them to Kilgore but she’s had experience working with women that have been in long term abusive relationships. She’s pro-species, has been bugging me for a while about this and if we have to have an on-hand therapist I’d rather it be a useful one.” Justice nodded.

“Plus, all her clients are recovering wonderfully, they are well adjusted and speak highly of her.” Jessie added looking up from the file.

“When do we get to interview her?” Slade demanded.

“She’s driving down from Oregon now; she should be here in a few hours.” Justice answered as Jessie handed him a file. He opened it and skimmed it nodding. “Slade, I’d like you to give her a chance. Not all therapists are the same.”

“We’ll be back when she gets here.” Trisha said putting a hand on Slade.