“What do you mean exactly?”
“Like you, he feels as if his life is spinning out of control and he’s angry. Dr. King will supply some strategies. But this morning you and I need to explore the reasons for the anger that caused you to step over the line in the course of your work.”
“I was terrified I’d never see my son again.”
“Because...”
Vic’s brows furrowed. “Because he was the only person who could tell me if Jeremy was alive, let alone where I could find him.”
“You were angry for another reason, too. Can you think what it would be?”
“I suppose it’s because my wife and parents were wiped out three years ago and I couldn’t do a thing to save them.”
“That’s one of the reasons. You were at work when the tornado struck and you were helpless to change the outcome. When faced with the possibility of your son being wiped out, you again felt helpless, and that anger caused you to make a mistake you would never normally make.”
Vic nodded.
“But you’re battling another fear that contributed to that mistake. The nanny who has endeared herself to your son is going to leave your employ. How long have you known she wouldn’t be permanent?”
“She was perfectly clear with me about her future plans before I hired her. Her goal was to get a job in her chosen field of chemistry after graduating from the university.”
“So none of this is a surprise to you.”
“No.”
“Yet you’re acting as if she suddenly threw this at you. Has your son known about it all this time?”
“Yes.”
“How long has she been with you?”
“Nine months.”
“So from the moment she started working for you, your anxiety has been building because she’s been a good nanny and you don’t want to lose her. I think because your life has been running well with her on board, you’ve been in denial about her future plans. Then suddenly you were hit with the kidnapping and her imminent departure from your household.”
“Yes.” Dr. Marshall was good. Very good.
“It’s obvious how your son feels about it, but the question is how do you feel about it?”
He sat forward with his hands clasped between his legs. “I wish she weren’t leaving.”
“You had another nanny before her. Was it difficult for you when she left?”
“Not in the same way.”
“What way is that?”
Vic got to his feet, unable to remain seated. “Our first nanny was an older woman with family who needed her. Jeremy accepted it.”
“As did you.”
“Yes.”
“So why is Claire’s leaving so different?”
“For one thing she’s...young and hits it off with Jeremy in ways I wouldn’t have imagined.”
“And she’s a free agent, right? Still unmarried?”