Chapter Seventeen
For a moment, Nick stared at me. It was an elastic moment, seeming to stretch thin.
“You mean—,” he started.
“Yes, I mean me.” I smiled with all requisite enthusiasm. “You asked what I did. Now you know.”
Nick sipped his coffee. “Why are you unlicensed?”
“Want the long version or the short?”
He studied my face. “Whatever you feel comfortable sharing.”
“Okay, here’s a short one.” I took another swig from my cup, taking time to decide on where to begin. “I’m a Marine. Between concussions, lower back pain from the weight of my protective armor, and a case of post-traumatic stress, I became addicted to the painkillers my doctors prescribed.
“Because my medical treatment comes through the VA, my addiction is a matter of military record. In Maryland, anyone addicted to
