“Cassidy does more private care now. Some physical and emotional therapy, right?” Gia asked.
“Kind of. It’s a unique approach to aid any soldiers trying to transition back into civilian life or handle their PTSD and things like that. It’s more hands-on and more than just one aspect of rehabilitation.”
“It sounds wonderful and a bit intense. We have plenty of friends who were active duty in Iraq and Afghanistan. Some of them are still suffering terribly,” Deanna told her. “We have a wounded warrior program that helps, but a lot of these men get a little frustrated and wind up not coming to meetings or seeking assistance. It’s sad.”
“I hate to hear things like that. How often do they have meetings?” Cassidy asked.
“Not too often. Maybe twice a month. They haven’t been able to hire anyone who can handle the caseload and coordinate these meeting groups. It’s intense stuff these men and women talk about,” Gia said.
Cassidy nodded and felt bad that the program seemed to not be working.
“It isn’t easy to hear about the trauma, the anxiety and fear soldiers go through in the midst of combat. Whether small scale or large, it’s still life altering.”
“Hey, are you still looking for a job in the same type of thing?” Gia asked her.
Deanna gasped and then got all excited.
“Oh my God, maybe you could interview for the position of running those groups. It would probably be part time. Jim’s friend Jack Walker runs the veterans association here in town. They have a small board of volunteers that meet in the town hall and community center. I bet they would love to meet you and discus the position and possibly try to deve
lop it again,” Deanna told her.
“Oh, I don’t know. I’m not sure about how long I’ll be staying in Tranquility.”
“What do you mean? I thought you’d moved here for good, considering you’re doing all those changes to the cottage. Don’t you like it around here?” Gia asked.
Cassidy felt the tightness in her chest, that forewarning sensation that told her to not get too comfortable anywhere, or with anyone.
“It’s a very nice community, but as I said, I’m not sure what I’ll be doing. I really need to get moving. It was nice meeting you, Deanna. I’m sure I’ll see you around.”
“Probably at the parade,” Deanna said and gave her an expression as though she wanted a concrete affirmation that Cassidy would be there.”
Cassidy gave a small smile. “I’ll see.”
She walked around to the Jeep and got inside. As she pulled out of the parking spot, she noticed Gia and Deanna exchanging some words and Deanna nod.
She had to get out of there before they pushed for more about her.
Ask me no questions, and I’ll tell you no lies.
* * * *
“That was a little strange,” Deanna said to Gia as they walked along the sidewalk in town.
“What do you mean?” Gia asked, but she knew exactly what Deanna was hinting at. Something was up with Cassidy. She was holding back.
“She definitely doesn’t like the conversation to focus on her, and it seemed like it upset her to not be able to stay around here. Even though she said she wasn’t certain how long she would be staying, it sounded like she was upset about it. How did she wind up coming to Tranquility?” Deanna asked.
“She knows Red Halloway. She also was there in the ER in Iraq when Garrett came in with his injuries.”
“Hmm. Where did she live before? Do you know why she left her job?”
Gia chuckled.
“Are you picking up on your husbands’ investigative intuition?” Gia teased.
Deanna smiled. “You know you sense it too.”
“I know too well about holding back information and being on the run from my past. I just hope that isn’t the case with Cassidy. She’s so pretty and very likable. She would fit in here well.”