Razor Rocks by Toby Neal

Author:Toby Neal [Neal, Toby]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Toby Neal

Chapter Twenty-Five

An hour or so later, Lei stood in the doorway of Emma Peterson’s room as the three girls ran in to see their mother. Sarah was the only one to fling herself on Mrs. Peterson, embracing her mother through the bedding and bandages that swathed her. The other two grabbed chairs and pulled them close, one on either side—but all four of them were crying, noisy sobs that made Lei glad that the patient bed beside Mrs. Peterson was currently empty.

The same nurse who’d helped with the girls’ exams touched Lei’s shoulder. “I met with Mrs. Peterson’s medical team and got briefed so I can tell you what’s going on with her. She has to stay overnight—she has a couple of cracked ribs, probably from beatings, and a sprained ankle. That gunshot wound, while in the arm, was pretty close to a major vein—so the doc wants her kept overnight for rest and observation.”

“Okay. That means I have to have the girls go to a crisis foster home tonight. Is Mrs. Peterson able to be interviewed?”

“Yes. She already gave a statement to Detective Brandon Mahoe when she first arrived.”

“Good. I don’t have to retraumatize everyone with more questions right now,” Lei said. “Has a next of kin or other emergency contact been notified?”

“Yes. I don’t know who that was, but the team assured me measures were being taken for when she’s discharged.”

“Sounds like things are well in hand.” Lei met the nurse’s eyes. “Tell Dr. Asuki that her gentle approach minimized the trauma for the girls, and that made it easier for them to tell me about their experiences, which will assist with the case. You were a big help, too.”

“Just doing our jobs,” the young woman said, but she ducked her head and her eyes brightened. “I’ll pass it on to Dr. Asuki.” She walked off on squeaky ergonomic shoes.

Lei took another minute to text Elizabeth Black to meet them at Mrs. Peterson’s room. The social worker replied that she had the crisis home in place and was just pulling up to the hospital. Perfect. The girls could go with her, shower, rest and relax. Something would be in place for the four of them by the time Mrs. Peterson was discharged—Lei would make sure of it.

She approached the bed. “Mrs. Peterson. Hi. I’m Sergeant Lei Texeira with the Maui Police Department. How are you feeling?”

Emma Peterson smiled. Her good arm was around Joanie, Sarah embraced her waist, and Adelia had snuggled up against her bandaged arm and was brushing her mother’s hair. “I’m much, much better now that my girls are with me.”

“I can see that. They are incredibly brave, strong, resilient young women.” She pulled up a third plastic chair and scooted close. “I hear you gave your statement to Detective Mahoe. That’s great; we don’t have to go through that again right now. I just heard they are keeping you overnight, so I’ve arranged for a safe, supportive place for the girls to stay at temporarily.

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