“We believe you,” Jami says, cupping Tara’s hand between hers. “It’s just legal jargon.”
“Once you’re securely in the shelter, we’ll send police to Kasper’s house for questioning.”
“Will he be arrested?”
“It’s difficult to say at this point, but you do have proof of the abuse,” I say, pointing at the purple bruise around her eye.
Tara’s hand shoots up to touch the injury, and she flinches. “Will it be enough?”
I want to say,hell yes, it will be enough, but that might not be true at all. “I don’t know.”
“Jesus, do you guys know anything?” Tara fumes, and I can’t even blame her for being angry. The justice system in this country is fucked. As a cop, I see it more than anybody.
“Don’t forget, we can use anything at all to help your case,” Jami adds. “Medical records would be a big help in this situation, and we’ll get you a lawyer.”
“I know a really great public defender who can help you,” I tell her, pulling a card out of my wallet. I scribble down the lawyer’s cell phone number on the card and hand it to Tara. “She can help you file a restraining order and possibly get us an emergency custody hearing so Kasper can’t use Maddy against you. Call her today, preferably, and see if she can help you get the legalities figured out.”
“What about Maddy?” Tara asks, and her eyes float automatically to the little girl on the other side of the window. “She won’t have to, like, testify or anything, will she?”
Jami looks at me, and I know she’s thinking the same thing I am.
Maybe.
“It’s too soon to know for sure,” I say. “But just keep in mind that our end goal is to safely remove you and Madison out from under Kasper’s influence. If we do this correctly, he could lose his job in the department and spend time in prison.”
“What is the likelihood of that happening?” asks Tara. I can tell she’s done her research on the judicial system, which doesn’t surprise me. Victims of domestic abuse often know all about it.
“There’s no saying at this point.” My eyes meet Jami’s again, an unspoken concern between us. Fellow cops are hard to nail, depending on who they have in their back pockets.
“Let’s worry about that later,” Jami says, forcing a smile for Tara’s sake. “First things first, let’s get you to the shelter. Ride with me, and I can help you check-in. The hospital has already been in touch with the supervisor there, and they have a room large enough for you and Maddy both.”
“Okay.” Tara draws in a deep breath and nods, replacing her terrified expression with one of determination. She’s got the mama-bear expression on now, and I’m glad because that’s what she’ll need to get her and Madison through this.
As Tara gathers up her things from the room and goes to get Madison, Jami walks me to the door, her arm linked in mine as she leans against me. She’s about to say something when Doctor Shaffer approaches us, looking puzzled.
“The patient in room 32 … Diana. Did you see her leave?”
“Leave?” Jami repeats. “No, we just saw her in bed before we went to see Tara. I thought she was asleep.”
“She’s gone,” says Shaffer. “Took the IV out and slipped out when no one was looking.”
“Probably on her way to find her next high,” mumbles Jami, and I know she’s probably right. “I’ll keep my ears open if I hear or see anything about her.”
“Perfect, thanks.” Shaffer walks away, and Jami turns towards me, the thought of Diana lost in the abyss.
“Thank you for coming,” she whispers. “This poor family needs a good guy on their side.”
“Anytime, sweetheart.” I pull Jami into me, then tilt her chin up to kiss her. Jami kisses me back, her body relaxing under my touch, the familiar scent of vanilla and lavender intoxicating me. “I have to get back to the station and file this report,” I say, and Jami moans, lips dropping into a pout.
“When will I see you again?”
“How about tonight?” I bring the back of her hand to my mouth and kiss it. “You can come over to my place. How does that sound?”
Jami pushes herself up on her tip-toes to gently bite my lip, teasing me, and I grow hard for her. “It sounds like this day can’t end soon enough.”
“Jesus, woman, I still have to go back to work, you know.”
“I know,” Jami murmurs and her fingers move their way down to my crotch, a light touch that sends me to the top of the world and back. “I’ll see you tonight, okay?”
