“This woman disappeared shortly before the auction. I don’t know her last name. They only called her Ebony. They shot a young woman named Hillary. They left her on the floor to die in a puddle of her own blood,” Rebecca said, scribbling harder.
“Rebecca,” Kassie said gently. “I know this must be difficult, but we need to document everything. Do you consent to a rape kit? You know how the process works because of your job, butright now, you’re on the other side. Do you want us to walk you through it?”
“No,” Rebecca said firmly.
Claire sat down close to the bed and touched her hand. “No, as in you don’t need a rape kit or no, as in you don’t need us to walk you through it?”
Rebecca set her pen down, staring at the two women as if they resembled total strangers. “Where’s Kara? She’s terrified. I promised to stay close.”
“Victoria and one of my nurses, Annabelle, took her two doors down. If she needs a support person, Victoria won’t leave her side. Annabelle will perform the exam. Julio asked about her, too. He’s waiting outside the door in case either of you need anything,” Kassie informed her.
“I don’t want him in here. He can’t see me like this,” Rebecca said, tugging the jacket Julio put on her at the sight of her nightgown.
“He won’t cross the threshold until you say you’re ready,” Claire assured her. “After we finish documenting, then we can get you into a nice shower and fresh clothes.”
Rebecca nodded. Her stomach twisted in knots at the idea of lying on the bed and having her body documented for all to see. Even knowing Kassie, she felt exposed and humiliated despite having no choice over her life for almost a year.
“It’s all right, Rebecca,” Kassie murmured, guessing her thoughts. “We can go as slow as you need us to or as fast. You call the shots here.”
She swallowed the lump in her throat and slowly shrugged out of Julio’s jacket, losing his scent along with it. She placed it beside her as the women put on gloves. “Don’t put this with the rape kit. It’s Julio’s,” she whispered.
“We’ll leave it here beside you,” Kassie said, helping her remove the remnants of the tattered gown.
Taking a deep breath, Rebecca lay back against the pillows as the women covered her with a sheet and a warm blanket.
“I’ll do the exam first and document everything. You have the right to refuse any part of this. Do you have any questions or concerns?” Kassie asked, pulling a tray closer to the bed.
Rebecca closed her eyes, shutting out the memory of Dr. Reese and her exams. Kassie Winters hired the team to help find trafficking victims, not hurt them.
“They gave me a shot about two and a half months ago for birth control. I want to go back on the pill. Before they rescued us…” Rebecca paused. The words refused to come out and she struggled with what she needed to tell them. “There may be multiple semen samples.”
Claire held her hand while Kassie talked her through the process, moving slowly.
“I’m done with all the physical examination. You have a slight tear and bleeding. I’ll order an ultrasound and blood work to rule out any permanent damage and any sexually transmitted diseases. Do you know the exact date of the birth control shot?” Kassie asked.
Rebecca’s mind fumbled as she struggled to recall her last appointment with Dr. Reese. The woman seemed upset when she saw her condition after her previous visitor. They forced the clients to wear condoms to protect their property, but it didn’t stop Jim and his men. Hopefully, they all went to hell.
“I don’t remember. What’s today?” she asked, feeling confused and disoriented.
“Take a deep breath through your nose and out your mouth, Rebecca,” Dr. Meyers reminded her.
“It’s all right. We’ll take a blood test and check your hormone levels. Did you have any questions?” Kassie asked patiently.
“How long will it take to get the results back?” she asked anxiously.
Kassie sat back on her stool. “It’ll take multiple blood tests over a course of weeks to clear you of everything,” she informed her. “I can give you a pill to prevent pregnancy. You can start the birth control immediately. I’ll send Annabelle and Ragu to Texas with you. She can treat the women who decide to stay at the Texas site.”
“What do you mean? I thought we planned to take all of them.” Rebecca exclaimed. “They need to feel safe.”
“And they will be here. I won’t make them go. They have a choice. We will send whoever wants to fly to Texas and give them shelter, counseling, and medical care while they heal and find their families,” Kassie soothed her.
“I’m sorry, Kassie. It’s been a long day,” Rebecca faltered.
“You’ve nothing to apologize for. I have called in several rape crisis counselors from Seattle. Claire can speak with you after I finish taking the photos. Another team of counselors will arrive in Embers, Texas, tomorrow night. Rachel will ensure they’re settled and the cabins prepped for the victims.”
“Don’t call them that. They’re people,” Rebecca snapped.
“You’re right,” Kassie agreed. “Everything will be ready for when you arrive. Rachel Foster lives with Matthew since we last saw you. They’re engaged and live on the ranch. Matthew has hired hands to keep up the ranch aspects while we’re recruiting the Texas team. Julio wants to see you. Do you mind if he comes in when we’re done?”
