Chapter 5
Kelan
Kelan's brakes squealed as he pulled into the emergency room drop-off. By the time he made it out of the car and around to the passenger side, medical staff had come out to see what the commotion was about. Michelle was placed on a gurney and rushed through the doors, down the hallway, and into an examination area. Kelan tried to follow, but he was blocked by security. They had questions for him considering the state Michelle was in. "What did you do to her?” they asked.
"Nothing," Kelan declared. "She was like that when I found her. Her boyfriend had her in a choke hold in the backyard. He did this, not me."
"Are you willing to give us DNA to prove it wasn't you? She probably fought back and would have skin under her nails," they stated.
Kelan hesitated. Would his DNA look human or alien? Did it matter? If they were comparing it to the skin under her nails, maybe they wouldn't notice the slight difference. "Sure, why not? I didn't do anything. It was Jackson. I think he's been abusing her for a long time. You need to find him. His DNA is all over her house."
"Take a seat and don't even let the idea of leaving enter your head," the security guard demanded.
"I'm not going anywhere. Michelle is my priority at the moment. When can I see her?"
"When the doctor is done with the examination, and you've been cleared of any wrongdoing, we'll ask her if she wants to see you,” they replied.
Kelan reluctantly found a seat in the waiting room. He watched as people came and went, some happy, others clearly upset. He put his head in his hands and rested his elbows on his knees. Thirty minutes passed, and no one came to get him for the DNA testing. He was just about to go to the desk and ask about Michelle when the police arrived. They were ushered back to the room that held Michelle. She must be awake and ready to talk. Hopefully, she could tell them it was Jackson who had assaulted her and taking a chance his DNA would pass muster wouldn't be necessary.
Michelle
Michelle opened her left eye just a slit. It wouldn't go any farther, and her right one wouldn't open at all. Bright light from the ceiling brought instant pain to her tortured head. Beneath her, she felt the unyielding hardness of the gurney. She knew exactly where she was: a hospital.
The nurse heard Michelle moan and came to her side, "Are you awake, dear?"
Michelle tried to nod, but it hurt too much. She whispered through her swollen lips, "Yes."
"Good,” the nurse replied. "You've been through an MRI already. There's no brain damage or broken bones. Your eyes are swollen, but there's no retinal or optic nerve issues. They'll eventually be fine. You have a concussion and lots of bruising. I know it's difficult to speak since your throat is swollen and bruised. However, the police need some answers. Can you try to communicate?"
"Yes,” came the hoarse answer.
Two policemen were brought in, one male and one female. The female cop asked, "What's your name?"
"Michelle Langtree."
The male asked, "Do you know where you are and what happened? Can you tell who did this to you?"
She replied, "Yes, I'm in a hospital. Jackson did this."
The woman asked, "Is Jackson the man who brought you in?"
"Describe him, please,” Michelle forced out.
The male cop answered, "Dark hair and green eyes, according to the security team. They also say he's handsome."
"Not Jackson. He has no hair and blue eyes. Eyebrow ring and ear pierced too,” she mumbled.
"Why did Jackson beat you?"
Michelle groaned, "Always does when he's drunk and doesn't get his way. Wanted money this time. No job."
The female policeman asked, "Can the man who brought you in give us a description? You’re in pain, and your statement can wait a little while until the pain medication kicks in. In the meantime, we could get some answers from him."
"Yes, Jackson was still there when Kelan arrived,” Michelle explained.
"We'll be back soon,” they replied.
Michelle closed her eye and waited for the pain to ease. Speaking had caused her headache to worsen and her throat to dry out further. She was aware of the IV in her arm, but it didn't soothe a sore throat. She would give anything for a sip of water. To her excitement, the nurse returned bearing ice chips. They slid down her throat and brought blessed relief.
