Alex and Richard's Professional Entanglement

This flow traces a therapy referral that turns into a conflict of interest when Richard becomes a murder suspect.

increasingBearing stren­gth in each eventdecreasing

The Reluctant Referral

A Father's Conditions Stacy's Counseling Richard hires Alex to help his daughter after Joanne dies. A Narrow Scope He resists a full family history and prefers to define the work as college and grief counseling.

The Murder Consultation

Two Roles Collide Milo's Request Milo asks Alex to consult on the murder, unaware that Alex has treated a member of the Doss family. An Ethical Concern Alex recognizes that the overlap may compromise trust and begins considering withdrawal.

Richard's Permission

Permission with Consequences A Direct Warning Alex tells Richard that police may contact the family and offers to leave the case. An Unexpected Request Richard insists that Alex remain involved, even suggesting the investigation may benefit his interests.

Evidence Against the Client

A Loyalty Test The Accusation Milo tells Alex about Goad's claim that Richard solicited Mate's murder. A Hard Conflict Alex must weigh his knowledge of Richard against his friendship with Milo and duties to the family.

The Severance Check

A Relationship Ends Payment Without Conversation Richard sends Alex a large check through his office, effectively ending their professional connection. Unfinished Responsibility Alex continues to worry about Stacy and Eric despite the family's distrust and Richard's withdrawal.

Six months before the murder investigation

The first Sunday after Mate's death

The morning Alex discloses the conflict

After Richard is taken to the station

The day after Richard returns home