Chapter 5
Emma sidestepped puddles on the way into the office. Rain had fallen steadily since last night, softening to a cool drizzle this morning. Diamond Creek was cocooned in a misty cloud, nothing but gray to be seen in all directions, the outline of the mountains across the bay barely visible. Emma flipped her hood back and gave her coat a shake once inside. The waiting room for the office was already full this morning. She quickly checked her calendar, noting that two emergency assessments were booked in open appointment slots. That was part of the drill at community mental health programs. She had been surprised when she first started working as a mental health clinician here—her caseload had been full within the first week, and she carried a wait list at all times. Unbeknownst to
