Chapter Four
Crime Punishment
I arrive in Dr. Astins office out of breath. It took a monumental effort to extricate myself from a business meeting and make it half way across town to be in the doctors office at the assigned time. He was very clear about being prompt. Of course, I wouldnt have had this problem if Id listened to my voicemail a few hours before, just after he called. For some reason it never dawned on me that my next appointment with the doctor would be made this way.
As I enter the office, the man can tell Ive been running.
Sorry, I say, as I slip into my seat.
Ten minutes late, and all you have to say is sorry?
What should I say? I ask sheepishly, like a little kid caught in a lie.
Perhaps you didnt think I was serious about my instructions. The affable
