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“What about Natalie? Do you think she knew? Or was the cause of Rebecca hurting herself?”
Mr. Stewart sighs heavily behind me.
“I don’t want to think so, but I can’t say. I think the neglect from our mother messed Natalie up. Had I had any inkling of her abusing Rebecca, I would have stepped forward and done something.”
It’s quiet for several moments, and I turn to face the room. Tavers is once again sitting on the edge of the sofa as Mr. Stewart clutches the frame to his chest, tears still slipping down his cheeks. He directs his next question to me.
“Can I see her?”
As much as I don’t want it to happen, I know I can’t keep Doe from him. She’s his niece, and he cares deeply for her. However, there’s something I want to make clear.
“She doesn’t remember you.” His face falls with regret and pain. “She doesn’t remember anything. And she doesn’t want to see you.” When he moves to object, I hold my hand up. “I’ve talked her into it.” Relief floods his face. “She’s starting therapy. You claim you wanted to help her, and if that’s the case, then you need to make sure she makes it to her therapy sessions.”
He clears his throat before saying hoarsely. “Yes. Of course.”
My next words are more personal than professional. “If I find out she’s not being cared for like she should be, I’ll be back to pay you another visit.”
Tavers shifts in his seat but doesn’t say anything. He knows how important Doe’s become to me. Mr. Stewart swallows but wisely nods.
I replace the picture on the table. “Come to the station at two o’clock tomorrow. I’ll bring Rebecca and her things.”
Blowing out a breath, he stands and offers an elated smile. “Thank you.” He looks at Tavers. “Thank you both. You have no idea how happy I am to know she’s okay and to have her back.”
I nod then turn to Tavers. “You ready?”
He stands as well, and Mr. Stewart walks us to the door. When we step onto the porch, he stops us with a question.
“Where is she now?”
I turn back. “She’s been staying with me since she left the hospital.”
Surprise widens his eyes for a moment then he nods. “Thank you for taking care of her, and thank you for finding her.”
The trip back to the station is quiet with my mind in turmoil. My anger against Mr. Stewart has simmered down. Yes, he should have gotten help for Doe, but I also understand his fear. We do stupid shit for the ones we love even if that means ultimately hurting them. And that’s what he did. He may not have put those marks on her himself, but he allowed her to do it. I want to hate the guy, but all I feel is pity for him. He lost his sister, and the niece he wanted to love won’t let him. Instead, he had to watch her destroy her body.
Although it seems wrong to put her back in the same home where she continually hurt herself, Mr. Stewart is still her family. Doe’s an adult, and if she really doesn’t want to go back with him, I won’t force her, but I think it would be good for her to at least give it a chance.
I just hope that if she ever remembers who she is and what made her harm herself, she’s strong enough to push past those needs.
* * *
When I unlockmy front door several hours later, I cringe with the headache pounding in my temples. Stress. So much fucking stress.
I drop my keys on the small table beside the door, and I’m taking off my holster when a noise catches my attention. Whipping my head around toward the kitchen, I find Doe sitting at the bar, looking at me.
“Hey,” I say softly and walk over to her.
“Hi.”
My eyes scan over her and notice the dark rings around her eyes and the tired expression on her face.
“Everything okay?” I ask, wanting desperately to reach out and push away the hair in her face.
Her gaze drops from mine and looks over at the holster I set on the bar before lifting it back to me.
“Yeah,” she answers softly.
“Why are you over here?”
