“He did something to her. Gave her something.”
“A paralytic agent possibly?”
“Possibly. He hit her too. You need to check for brain damage or a concussion. Also....” I trail off.
“Also, what?”
She still hasn’t turned to look at me.
I clear my throat. “Can you check if she has been… um… uh….”
“Spit it out, Giovanni! Time is of the essence.”
“Of course, sorry. Can you check if he violated her? I found them in a compromising position. I’m worried he raped her.”
Sofia begins to sob, and Mia’s eyes fill with tears.
“I will. I’m doing everything I can here. I need some things though. We will need to take her to the clinic for a scan of her brain to rule out brain bleeds. I will also need someone to run a sample of her blood to the lab.” She takes out a needle, and I watch as she draws blood. “Give this to Sandra at the lab. She will know what to do.”
I take the vial then open the door to shout for Lo. I repeat Mia’s instructions, but Mia steps in.
“You take it, Gio.”
“I’m not leaving her side until I know she’s all right. I need to know.”
“Gio, this is a delicate situation. I need to take samples. Examine her in areas I’m pretty sure she doesn't want you to see. Please just take the vial.”
I look back over to Izzy on the bed. I consider the words. Would she even want me here? It doesn't really matter at this point. I can’t leave even if I tried.
“I understand what you’re saying. I will brief Lo and Bash while you examine her. I can’t leave her though, Mia. Please don’t ask me to.”
She nods once then pushes me out the door.
I hesitate as the door locks. I let my body sag against it as my mind runs through everything she has been through. Moments pass by in silence before I hear a throat clearing.
“Sorry, I wanted to check on her real quick.”
The devastation on Matt’s face is overwhelming when added with the emotions already flooding me.
“I… I appreciate it.” I choke back a sob as I turn away from him.
“Let’s go update Bash.”
Taking a couple of deep breaths, I turn and press my head to the door once more. “Please, God, watch over her. Let her be okay, please,” I whisper against the door before turning and following Matt down the hall.
The mood in the conference room is solemn as we enter. Bash gives me a questioning look. I give my head one quick shake as I lower my eyes.
“What the fuck happened?” he growls.
“I failed her. I didn’t protect her.”
The silence that follows is deafening.
As I stand staring at the floor, my heartache, despair, and anger consume me. I whirl around and slam my fists into the wall over and over. Something jerks me back. I turn, swinging, clipping the edge of Bash’s jaw.
You could hear a pin drop as the whole room freezes. My chest heaves as I feel everyone’s eyes on me. My eyes meet Bash’s as I let regret and grief overtake me. The bullet destined for my head is welcomed. I don’t deserve to live anymore. Not after tonight. If he doesn’t do it, I might as well do it myself.
“Do it, Bash. Please. Just do it.”
