Martin looks down when John is gone, his pudgy frame seems to slouch and Kate witnesses sadness consume him. She recognizes black. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to aggravate anything between you.” “You stop right there, girl. This isn’t about you. John and I have been together a long time. Relationships go through stages, and we’re not at a particularly great one right now.” He gives her an apologetic grin and shrugs. “He seems to think his way is the only way of late.” “Well, he could be right. Maybe being hospitalized would be the best thing for your friend right now, especially if he just tried to OD.” “He didn’t.” “How do you know that? Taking three quarters of a bottle of Valium isn’t rational behavior, Mr. Risner. Maybe James needs more help right now than you can give him.” “So now you’re taking John’s side?” Martin stands near the massive Sub-Zero PRO stainless fridge and glares at her across the large modern kitchen.
