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She was on her own. Fuck me, a sitting duck, just waiting to be...what? “Okay.”Breathe. “Do you remember what happened during the time you were on your own?”
“Yes. Why?”
“Because, Ava, I don’t want anyone poking you about unless they really need to, so please, think hard. Before I turned up, were you okay? Do you remember everything?”
“Yes,” she answers, getting worked up. “I do.”
“Ava, I would be happier if you would consent to the examination.”
Jesus Christ, won’t he listen? Does he think I would obstruct him if I knew she could have been—
My stomach turns.
“No,” Ava says, resolute, more worked up, motioning down her body. “I know nothing happened. I have no bruises, no cuts.”
“If you are one hundred percent sure, Ava,” the doctor relents. “I can’t force you.”
“Damn right you can’t fucking force her.” Hasn’t she been through enough without being poked and prodded at?
“Nothing happened.” She clenches at my hand, holding me tightly, as if she’s worried I might let them take her away from me. No. Never. “I remember everything until Jesse arrived.” Her eyes find mine, full of tears and distress. It’s hit her. How thiscouldhave been. “I remember everything,” she says, whimpering, gripping me harder.
“I know.” I swallow and nod, forcing a smile, here for her, because that’s what she needs right now. Like I need a stiff fucking drink. “I believe you.”
The doctor doesn’t push anymore, accepting and ordering her discharge papers.
“How long will that take?” I ask.
“Sir.” He laughs, and I could punch him for it. “We are in the aftermath of a Saturday night in central London. How long is a piece of string?”
I am not sitting around here waiting indefinitely. “I’m taking her home now.” I collect Ava’s shoes as he leaves the room, and I make it to the side of the bed just as she starts sobbing. If there was ever a way to increase the unrest within me, it’s Ava’s tears. I drop her shoes and hug her. “Baby, please don’t cry. I’ll get really crazy mad if you cry.” She works up into a full-blown sobbing session, bursting into tears, clinging to me. “God help me,” I mutter. “God,fuckinghelp me.”
“I’m so sorry.”
“Ava, please shut up.” I don’t want her apologies. I want her to bloody listen to me. Hear me.
It takes some time, me just holding her, Ava clinging to me, but she eventually calms down and lets go of me, roughly wiping at her face, as if mad. With herself? “I’m fine. I want to go home.” She kicks her legs over the side of the bed, like she thinks she’s walking out of here. Give me strength. I pick her up and carry her out, asking Kate to grab her things as I pass.
“What’s going on?” Sam asks, his worried eyes on Ava in my arms. Kate rushes into the room and reappears with Ava’s purse and shoes.
“She was drugged.” I swallow, trying to quench the anger from pouring out of me.
“Oh shit,” Sam breathes.
“What?” Kate gasps. “Like date rape?”
“Yes.” I turn and push through some double doors with my back, catching their eyes. Both shocked. Both concerned. Both knowing exactly what this means. “I’m taking her home.”And never letting her out of my sight again.
It’s daylight when we get outside. Fucking daylight. I get Ava in the car and shut the door. Kate hands me her bag and shoes. “Thanks.”
“Please, Jesse, do not do anything stupid,” she says, reaching for my arm and rubbing. She sees the pressure in me.
“What, like drink?” I ask, looking up at her. I hear Sam curse under his breath. “I don’t want a drink,” I lie. “I’ll call you later.” I round the back of the car and get in.
Thank God, she sleeps the entire way home so she doesn’t see the turmoil I can’t hide. The conflicting emotions inside me are taking their toll, and I’m forced to constantly wipe my eyes clear of fury and tears so I can see the road.
I don’t want a drink.
I want alotof drink.
