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I want to go to her, to hold her and comfort her, but I know she needs time and space. And as much as I want to fight it, I know it’s easier if I give her that right now rather than fighting through the barriers that have spurred up since she’s been taken.
All I have to do now is to make sure my girl heals.
* * *
Pacing back and forth in the sterile hallway of the hospital, I’m tense. We came straight to Stony Brook, and I’m thankful we were close enough to get her here. Even though she wasn’t shot, all I could think about was getting Autumn to a doctor.
Jackson gave me the time off from heading back with them and talking to the police so I could bring Autumn to get tested, treated, and cared for. I needed to be with her, and he understood. She’ll still have to answer questions when the cops arrive, but for now, all that matters is for her to get checked out.
“JD?” Autumn’s mother’s voice carries over the space, and I still my steps to look up at her. She races toward me. Her eyes are teary, her face streaked with pain.
I wrap her in my arms, holding her as she falls apart from relief. Her shoulders shake with the sobs that wrack through her, and my chest tightens. I can’t tell her where I found Autumn, but at least I can tell her that Autumn will be okay.
“She’s alive, not hurt, but she’s going to need to talk to someone. I’m not sure what she’s been through, but the doctor is in with her now.”
“Can we see her after?”
“I’m sure we can.” I nod. I don’t see why they won’t let us in, or perhaps only her mother will be allowed into the room.
“I don’t know how to thank you for bringing my baby back to me,” Mrs. Starling tells me with a smile that’s pure relief. I can’t imagine what she’s been through, missing her daughter, not sure what the hell had happened to her.
The squeaky footsteps behind me have both Mrs. Starling and me turning to regard the doctor. When she nears us, there’s a kind smile on her face as she glances between us.
“Are you Autumn’s mother?” the doctor asks.
“Yes, is she okay? Can I see her?”
“I’m Dr. Rogers, and she’s doing just fine. You’ll be able to see her shortly. We’re just administering some painkillers. I’ve done a full workup and examination. I found some scarring in her throat, bruising along her upper thighs and around her genital area.” The doctor looks toward me. I’m still dressed like I’m heading to war, all in black with the Cole Security logo on my jacket. “I know you mentioned you can’t talk about where you found her, but do you know if there were other girls?”
“There were. My team, along with the FBI, have ensured they are checked out by medical professionals.”
“Great. Look, I have to be honest, she’s told me she wasn’t sexually assaulted, but there have been other illicit acts that she’s endured. I’m not sure how comfortable she’ll be alone with you, but I’ll allow you both to go in for a short time. She needs rest.”
“Thank you, doc,” I tell her. Glancing at Mrs. Starling, I offer her a smile. “Perhaps you should go in first. As much as I want to see her, I know she’ll need you. If she’s ready to see me, let me know.”
“I will. And I’m sure she’ll want you close by,” she assures me. After hearing that Autumn was hurt, I need a moment to calm down before I can fathom seeing her.
Mrs. Starling leaves me, stepping into the room and shutting the door behind her. Placing my palms on the wall, I drop my head and breathe through the agony holding my chest hostage. My lungs struggle to pull in air. I want nothing more than to kill the bastard who hurt her, but it’s not going to help me one bit.
The only thing I can do is wait for my girl to want to see me.
Chapter Twenty
Autumn
My mother walks through the door, and my heart leaps happily in my chest. Her eyes are filled with tears, and when she reaches the bed, they trickle down her cheeks. She pulls me into a hug, and I can’t help but sigh in contentment at the warmth radiating from her.
I spent my days and nights being cold, so icy cold I never thought I would thaw. But with JD’s arms wrapped around me last night and my mother’s today, I’m slowly feeling again.
“Oh my god,” my mom sobs into my hair, her mouth at my ear. “I’m so sorry. I can’t believe it. You’re here. Oh, thank god,” she says, her voice muffled as she kisses my forehead, my cheeks, and then she cups my face in her hands, looking at every inch of me.
