Page 13 of Mending Fate

“She wouldn’t tell us what happened,” the doctor continued, “but she did consent to a rape exam, mostly, I think, because she knew she needed medical attention.”

Fuck.

“She was raped.” Josalyn made it a statement rather than a question.

“She didn’t say it, but the evidence is there, yes.” The lines around the doctor’s eyes tightened. “I believe by more than one man.”

“Fuck.” My hand went over my mouth.

“I gave her something for the pain, so she’s resting now. The police will want to talk to her, but I’m not sure they’ll get much more out of her than I did.” She stood. “I’m not sure how long I want to keep her yet. A lot will depend on how some of the test results come back.”

She didn’t say what those tests were for, but considering what had happened to Soleil, it wasn’t difficult to figure out. STD tests. The kind of animals who would rape and beat up a fourteen-year-old kid wouldn’t give a shit about passing something along. Whether or not they thought about leaving DNA was a mixed blessing. Condoms meant no semen, but also a lower likelihood of pregnancy or disease.

“Will she be out for the night?” Josalyn asked.

“Most likely. That’s what I’ll tell the police when they show up anyway. Kid needs her rest.”

“Good.” Josalyn stood up. “If you could let them know that I’ll be back when visiting hours start, they can talk to her then, if she’s up to it.”

I almost asked where she was going, but that was a stupid question. Soleil wasn’t Josalyn’s only case. She’d have to be up tomorrow for work, and a lot of that was going to be paperwork for this. She couldn’t spend the entire night here while Soleil slept.

“Would I be allowed to stay with her?” I asked. “I don’t want her to wake up and see I’m not there after I promised her that I wouldn’t leave her.”

The doctor looked at Josalyn, who nodded. “I think that can be arranged.”

“Good. Um, I just need to call my roommate. I don’t want her to worry when she gets home, and I’m not there.”

“You do that, and I’ll have someone put a chair in there for you.”

“Thank you. I’ll be back in a couple minutes.” I went with Josalyn to the lobby, waving as she kept going out to her car. It was well past one in the morning, but I called Mai anyway.

“What’s wrong?”

A lump formed in my throat at the concern in my friend’s voice. When this was over, I’d make sure Mai knew just how grateful I was to have her. If I was ever hurt or sick, I’d never have to worry about going through it alone. I always had Mai.

“Soleil’s in the hospital.” The words came out in a rush. “She was at the apartment when I got home, and someone beat her up…probably more than one someone. They… some…they…” My voice broke. “Shit.”

“It’s okay.” Mai’s voice was gentle. “You don’t have to say it.”

I cleared my throat. “I’m going to stay the night. I don’t want her to be here alone.”

“Do you want me to come there?”

I loved that she offered. “No, I think the fewer people, the better. She’s going to have to talk to the cops tomorrow as it is.”

“Damn.”

“Yeah.” A moment of silence passed. “I’m going to go now.”

“If you need me, say the word. Love you.”

“You too.”

As I hung up the phone, I stared at the screen, filled with a sudden urge to call Alec. To hear his voice. The need was so intense it was almost painful, but it wasn’t the right thing to do. He had Keli and Evanne to deal with. And he’d made it perfectly clear that’s where his priorities were. Rightfully so.

I just didn’t know if I could handle that rejection again.

Better to not even try.