Keepsakes, Karma & Murder by Christa Nardi

Author:Christa Nardi [Nardi, Christa]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2021-10-19T23:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER 17

With a skinny mocha for the ride, I smiled and sang with my music as I drove to Cornerstone. Each week promised some things would be the same, yet others would be different. Shawna, Layla, and Dr. Hanreddy were the constants. How many residents and their stories changed like the weather. My hope was that at least one of the women from last weekend had decided not to go back to the abusive situation that drove her to safety.

Pulling into the driveway, I recognized Dr. Hanreddy’s car. Sarah was a no-nonsense doctor who volunteered her time. Her presence on a Saturday alerted me that someone needed medical assistance beyond changing a bandage or dispensing meds. Shawna could handle the more routine needs and served as the mother hen for all while they were at Cornerstone.

As I approached the front door, Layla greeted me. “Morning to you, Stacie. We’re sure glad to see you.”

Inside, I checked the white board and notebook with progress notes for each resident as Layla filled me in.

“Busy last night and it wasn’t even a full moon. I had two pick-ups, one from the ER. Dr. Hanreddy and Shawna are with her now. Should have stayed in the hospital but refused. Also refused to identify her attacker.”

I cringed. “Bad shape, huh? That’s ER on the board?” She nodded. “And the other new one?”

“Another younger one, no ID, and she’s not talking. Bruised, beaten, and a broken arm, she stumbled into a shelter. They called the police, but she wouldn’t talk to them. Shelter decided we were the best option. Too many people in and out of that shelter.”

“I recognize the others. ‘Jade’ her name?”

“When we asked what we should call her, that was her answer.”

The notes on Jade were minimal. Medical situation stabilized. She wasn’t talking to anyone and resisted sleep. Not uncommon under the circumstances. The other two women I’d spoken with in previous weeks. I noticed one was no longer here.

“What happened with CJ? Did she go back to him or move on?”

“She made some calls and then I drove her to Heraldton. Her sister met us there.”

I smiled. “Hopefully, that will work out. I’ll go check on the other one and see about Jade.”

She nodded. I met with the woman, now at the point of making a decision and finding it hard. The longer the women stayed at Cornerstone, the harder it was for them to go home and face perhaps worse injury. The social worker, Brooke Durby, and I worked with them to deal with the trauma and identify alternative next steps.

I almost missed the young woman cowered in the corner, wrapped in a blanket. From the cast on her arm, this was Jade. I introduced myself, explained my role, and asked if she needed anything. She shook her head and never made eye contact. Knowing she hadn’t met with Brooke, I kept my comments short and reassured her that she was safe at Cornerstone.

With no sign of Shawna or Dr. Hanreddy, I completed notes and updated the white board.

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