Bhodi⛓
“Excuse me, detectives?” The young nurse treating Summer approaches us quietly, checking over her shoulder before gesturing for us to follow her into a private room. I eye Strode curiously before entering.
“Is everything ok?” I ask the nurse as she nervously chews on her lip.
“The young girl, Summer?” She begins.
“What about her?”
“I think she’s suffered abuse before the mugging.” Her gentle voice cracks slightly as I feel my fists clench.
“What makes you say that doc?” Strode asks with some concern, taking a step closer to the nurse.
“When we examined her, the bruises from the attack are consistent with her fall. But there are some older ones along her rib cage and arms, which look to be in different stages of healing.”
“Are you sure?” I ask, trying to remain calm. My teeth clenching.
“Pretty sure. She seems withdrawn, which isn’t uncommon in her state, but I just wanted to let you know.” The nurse offers a polite nod before leaving the room.
I see the cogs turning in Strode’s mind. I know something he can’t stand is men beating on women, something from his childhood that haunts him to this day.
“What should we do?” I ask curiously, wanting to see his reaction.
“She mentioned her former boyfriend earlier. We’ve both seen the lengths bastards will go to when a relationship ends.” He sighs before rubbing the back of his neck. Seeing the toll the long day is taking on him, I decide to call it a day.
“Go home, get some rest. We can start this fresh tomorrow. I’ll check on Summer, but she’s safe here.”
He sighs again before nodding. Patting me on the back, we both leave the hospital room. As we break off in the hall, I watch as he heads towards the exit. I find myself wandering back to Summer’s room, knocking on the door before entering. When there’s no answer, I gently nudge the door open.
Allowing my eyes to adjust to the dim light, I sit at her bedside as she sleeps soundly. Her delicate features rest peacefully, but the sight of the small cuts and growing bruise on her forehead causes fists to clench.
Leaning back in the chair, I allow my head to fall back. I remain focused on the ceiling as my mind reels over her attack. I need to dig into Summer’s past. I know she’s hiding something. Whether it has anything to do with her father’s murder or not, I’m going to find out.