Author's Note: I do not own Kid vs Kat; all rights reserved to Rob Boutilier and Studio B Productions. This is a not for profit, fan told story.
This story is rated T for some violence, dark scenes and hints of child abuse. It is set during season one, the rating may change.
You may have noticed that my previous story, Kid vs Kat: The Untold Story or aka Understanding, has been deleted. I wasn't happy with the quality of writing and was no longer content to continue it. I hope you enjoy this story better.
Please remember to review, as I thrive on constructive criticism!
Prologue
The hospital loomed over Sarah, as the morning clouds formed ominous shadows over the building. The glass double doors were clean, reflecting the image of an exhausted thirty year old woman. They opened automatically as she approached, her high heels clacking over the stone pathway. Inside the entrance hall were bland white walls and scuffed carpets. Walking over to the receptionist, Sarah clutched her leather purse close to her side and shuffled the papers she held in her hand.
"Excuse me, but I'm here to see a patient in Room 26D. You should've received a call from CPS; my name's Sarah Dermott."
Sarah placed her handbag on the counter, and began to rummage through its items. Revealing a couple of crumbled papers and a laminated picture of herself, she slipped her identification across to the receptionist. The receptionist raised an eyebrow in amusement and checked Sarah's papers to her own, smiling brightly when they matched.
"Yes, a Sarah Dermott from Child Protection Services. Room 26D is on the fourth floor, if you just take the elevator down the hall to your right, you should have no problem."
"Thanks."
Sarah grabbed her identification and quickly stuffed it back inside her purse. She walked with a purposeful stride and entered an empty elevator. She relaxed and leaned against the mirrored wall, not one to be scared of small spaces.
As the elevator slowly took Sarah up to the fourth floor, she glanced at the folder in her hand. Quickly refreshing her memory of the name and details of the child in question, she looked up at the ding of doors opening.
Placing the papers back inside the manila folder, she followed the empty corridor, counting the room numbers as she passed.
"Twenty-four, twenty-five, ah room twenty-six D," she muttered.
A nurse wearing a white tunic with royal blue epaulettes stepped out of the room, hastily scribbling something on a clipboard.
"Excuse me nurse, I'm from CPS and I'm currently investigating a case that involves your patient. Could you give me a copy of the injuries inflicted and the report of how they occurred?"
The stout nurse looked up and scrutinised Sarah's appearance.
"Could I see your ID first?"
"Of course."
After handing over her credentials and receiving more paperwork to place in her folder, she had a quick read of the medical report.
"We have reason to believe that this child has been subjected to abuse. These types of injuries are inflicted with a high level of malice," the nurse stated.
"Yes, it's quite unfortunate, but an investigation has been set on its way and we hope to find the perpetrator or perpetrators. Violence against children is always horrible."
"It is. I have a daughter the same age and I could never even imagine hurting her!"
"So how is the patient?" Sarah asked the strict nurse.
"The little trooper is resting at the moment; his father is currently with him. The injuries he sustained will likely keep him here for the following two weeks."
Reading off the report, Sarah felt saddened by the damage that was inflicted on this poor little boy.
"Two cracked ribs, one being reset due to pressure put on his right lung. A fractured collar bone. A broken arm. Several bruises around the neck and chest area. With small scratches littering almost eighty percent of his body. This kid has had a rough time."
There was silence between the two women.
"Do you think he'd be alright to answer some questions?"
"He should be able to. It's been a couple of days since his operation and he has a steady supply of pain killers."
Sarah thanked the nurse and was about to enter the room, when she felt a hand grab her arm.
"Just one more thing, Ms Dermott."
"Yes?"
"Just be wary when you go in there. The father's quite emotional."
With a small nod, the nurse departed and Sarah gained her first glance of Coop Burtonburger.