A Spice In Peril

We walked into a hotel to find it in shambles. It was June 28, 2012; just as we entered the lobby, we saw one person bolt past us. Shortly after 4 others ran out following her. The last of the girls' froze as she approached us. To our surprise it was Geri.

"Janie you made it. Can you help us?" Geri asked.

"Yeah what's wrong?" I asked.

"It's your Aunt. We asked about some bruises and she just ran off crying." She answered. Joining the girls we gave a chase. We ran for six city blocks. However this left everyone else drained. So I continued alone. I soon caught up with her in an ally nearby. She was clearly hurt. Bruises covered her body from head to toe. Her black and blue lesions almost matched the outfit she was wearing. Then it hit me. She was being abused.

"Angel don't look at me. I can't be seen like this." She said burying her face in her hands and crying.

"It's ok just tell me what happened." I said putting my arm around her.

"Ok Angel I guess I can tell you, Robbie struck me." She sobbed.

"WHAT?!" I exclaimed.

"It all started with that stupid rumor. Tom was threatened into leaving after that Robbie swooped in." Melanie sobbed.

"He's gonna pay." I snapped.

"Angel what do I do? I need your Uncle Tom." She sobbed.

"We'll find him together." I said pulling her into a hug.

"Thank you Angel." She sobbed into my shoulder.