Chapter 13

I slowly awake in a strange room and a strange bed. I don’t know where I am at first but I know I’m not at home. The more I open my eyes and try to focus the more that I work out. Going by the needle in my arm, the fact I’m in a gown and with the noises of machines beeping a good guess I’m in the hospital but why.

I try to move a little and holy fuck a coursing pain runs right through me. I groan loudly and something stirs at the bottom of the bed.

“Robbie?!” my eyes are better focused now but I could tell that voice anywhere. It’s Stacey. “Oh, thank god you’re awake!” She shuffles her seat closer up to me. I guess she must have been sleeping.

“What ... What happened?” I speak out but with a little difficulty and pain. My face aches.

“You’re in the hospital. You look and are in a pretty bad shape! We were hoping you could tell us what happened?”

“What, day is it?”

“It’s Monday morning, you were brought in last night!” She was now right by my side, holding my hand, more like squeezing it. Her eyes are puffy, she’d been crying, a lot.

“Monday? Last night?” I lay my head back on the pillow and try to remember what happened. I rack my brain but I can’t. Confusion plastered all over.

“It’s ok Robbie, take it slow! Did you work yesterday?”

I think back, did I? “Yeah, yeah I did.”

“Ok but then what happened?”

“I left the shop and walked home.”

“You never made it home...” more tears slowly stream down her face.

I close my eyes and try my best to remember. I remember being at work. ‘Was Holly there? No, she wasn’t. I locked up, cashed up and all that. Then I walked home ... The memory vivid, I wasn’t sure but Brad?! Was Brad there?

“Brad?!” I simply said.

Stacey’s eyes grew wide. “We knew it, wait here!”

“Like I’m going anywhere” I laugh as Stacey gets up and dashes out of the room.

I close my eyes and wait for them to return.

I’m re awoken when Stacey comes back in followed by mom and two police officers.

“Oh Robbie!” My mom comes rushing over and gives me a hug, it’s nice but a little uncomfortable.

“These two gentlemen want to ask you some questions if that’s ok? I know it’s soon but it’s important.” Mom says as she takes my hand. The taller of the two officers’ steps forward. The other pulls out what looks like a tape recorder.

“Good morning Robbie, I know this is difficult with the pain but we have a few questions we need to ask! Is that ok?”

I simply nod.

“Now do you recognize this man?” The officer holds up a mug shot of Brad.

I nod again.

“I need an audible confirmation please!”

“Yes.” I simply answer.

“Was he involved in the altercation that took place yesterday evening?”

I pause, was it him? It hurts to think but I calm myself. “Yes” I answer aloud “but he wasn’t alone.”

“Unfortunately, we only have Mr. Miller in custody. The lady that found you and called us, could only describe him. The two other assailants quickly fled.” He paused before continuing. “Now with recent events and other allegations made against Mr. Miller, we would like to ask you if you would like to press charges?”

“Yes, we would!” Mom answers before I can speak. I look up at her. With a reassuring squeeze of my shoulder she continues “What that boy, no animal, has done to my family is unspeakable. He doesn’t belong on the streets; he belongs in prison.”

“Very well Ms. Henderson.” The officer then turns to my sister, “Miss would you please come with us?”

Stacey offers me a reassuring smile before leaving the room with the two officers.

“Mom?”

“Sshhhh baby, it’s ok. We will get him for this. For what he did to you and what he did to your sister!” Her eyes are teary but her voice laced with anger.

I try to speak again but mom stops me “Just rest! The officers will need to speak with you as well about last night and what happened last week!”

Sometime later the two officers come back and question me about how much I remember from last night. Also, to describe Brad, the altercation we had last week and was he abusive towards my sister. I was surprised they asked about my sister, I could only guess that she told them.