Chapter 12 - The Evidence Grows
An hour later
Dr. Reynolds emerged from the examination room
wiping his hands on a towel.
He looked tired
but his expression was supportive as he walked over to me.
"Your wife is resting now
Jake,"
he said
sitting down in the chair next to me.
"The baby's heart rate is stable
which is a miracle considering the stress she's been under."
"And the bruises?"
I asked
my voice barely a whisper.
"They are extensive
and they are consistent with a severe physical assault,"
the doctor stated gravely.
"We took full forensic photographs and documented everything for the police report."
"But more importantly
we found something else."
My heart stopped.
"What did you find?"
"The bruising patterns show different stages of healing
Jake,"
he explained.
"This wasn't a single attack
this has been happening for at least a month."
"Some of the marks are deep bone bruises that will take weeks to heal."
The horror of his words washed over me
bringing a fresh wave of guilt.
A whole month
and I had been too blind to see it because I was working so much
trusting my mother blindly.
"I should have known
I should have looked closer,"
I whispered
covering my face with my hands.
"Don't do that to yourself
son,"
Detective Miller said
joining the conversation.
"Abusers are experts at hiding their actions
and victims are often too terrified to speak out."
"The important thing is that we have the evidence now."
"I've already sent the forensic files to the District Attorney in Chicago."
"They are preparing a warrant for your mother's arrest for aggravated battery and domestic abuse."
The news brought a small sense of relief
but it was short-lived.
"How long will it take to get the warrant?"
I asked.
"A few hours
maybe by tomorrow morning,"
Miller replied.
"But we have a bigger problem right now."
"Your mother's private security team is still sitting in the parking lot."
"They are watching the exits
waiting for you to leave."
"She knows that once you cross back into Illinois
she has a better chance of fighting the charges."
"We need to keep Megan here tonight
where she's safe under hospital protection."
I nodded
agreeing with the plan.
"Can I see her?"
I asked Dr. Reynolds.
"Yes
she's asking for you,"
he smiled gently.
"Go on in."
I walked into the private room
the steady beep of the heart monitor filling the space.
Megan looked up as I entered
a frail smile appearing on her face.
"Hey,"
she whispered
reaching out her hand.
"Hey
sweetheart,"
I said
taking her hand and kissing it gently.
"The doctor says the baby is fine
and the police are getting an arrest warrant for Linda."
She closed her eyes
a tear slipping down her cheek.
"Is it finally over
Jake?"
"Almost
May you like
my love
almost."
