Page 41

The woman who called me, Lola Asbury, was sitting at the end of the sofa next to Tammy’s feet.

“Thanks for staying with her, Lola,” I said.

She nodded as she got up and moved out of the way for the paramedics.

I stood back as the ambulance attendants removed the blanket to assess Tammy’s injuries. Wearing only a pajama top and underpants, it was easy to see she’d been beaten black and blue on most of her body, and on top of the bruising was a lot of blood. I counted at least two stab wounds in her midsection. Hard to tell. Too much blood.

As the paramedics worked on Tammy, I noticed a strange smell emanating from the trailer. It was a mix of cigarette smoke, sour milk, and something else that I couldn't quite put my finger on. I wrinkled my nose in disgust as I looked around the cramped living room. Clothes were scattered everywhere, empty beer cans littered the floor, and an ashtray overflowed with cigarette butts.

I turned to Lola and asked, “Do you know what happened?”

Lola shook her head. “Nope. Didn’t see it, but I heard it happening. That’s why I came over to check on her, but she wasn't answering the door. I found her like this when I came in.”

I nodded, taking out my notebook. “Did she say anything to you before she passed out?”

Lola hesitated before answering. “Tammy was upset about something with her boyfriend. They had a fight and Tibor did this to her.”

I scribbled down the information, thinking that Tammy’s boyfriend was definitely someone I needed to see. “Does Tibor beat Tammy up often?”

She nodded. “At least once or twice a week, but I’ve never seen her this bad before. Usually she’s just bruised up and sore from him hitting and kicking her.”

“Where’s Tibor now?”

“He likes to drink, so he could be at a bar. Could be anywhere, I guess. Better to stay out of his way.”

“He beats this young girl up frequently?”

“Lots of times before, but Tammy won’t call the cops cause she’s under sixteen and they’ll put her in the foster system. She’d rather be dead than slammed around in foster homes. Told me that herself.”

“I get it. I’m glad you called this time, Lola. Maybe we can work something out for Tammy until she’s sixteen and she won’t be put into the system.”

“Where could she go?”

“I know a place.”

“But it ain’t a government place?”

“That’s right,” I said. “Tibor have a last name?”

“Garrison. Tammy uses his name because Tibor wants her to, but her last name is Traynor.”

I wrote the names in my notebook. “Tibor drives what kind of vehicle?”

“Escalade. Black.”

“Where’s he work?”

“He don’t work.”

“But he can afford an Escalade?”

Lola shrugged. “Might have his own business. I ain’t his keeper and I stay out of his way best I can.”

“Thank you for your help, Lola. You probably saved Tammy’s life. She could’ve bled to death quite easily.”

“You going to the hospital?”

“Yes.”