She sat alone in the examination room. She had been poked and prodded, had pictures take of virtually every part of her body. She was now exhausted and just wanted to soak in a steaming hot bath for hours. She had redressed in the scrubs one of the nurses had given her and she now sat on the bed in the room and waited for the doctor to return.

"Mrs. Crockett," The female doctor spoke as she entered the room with her face buried in the file she held.

"It's Joplin," Trudy replied and caused the doctor to regard her suspiciously.

"I'm sorry, your friend who brought you here stated that your last name-"

"Crockett is my married name, but I would like the records on this to be filed under my maiden name, Joplin," Trudy said and the doctor nodded her understanding and then grasped the pen from her lab coat pocket and scratched through the name on the chart and then scribble in the new one.

"Ok, Ms. Joplin, I'm Dr. Jameson," The female doctor stated as she offered her hand which Trudy grasped and shook. The Doctor released her hand and then stepped closer and carefully grasped Trudy's face and tilted it a little and moved it from side to side as she looked over the heavy swelling and bruising. "Luckily for you given the size of that contusion on your forehead, you don't have any concussion so you will not have to stay here overnight for observation. But your left eye socket has been fractured and that eye is swollen shut and it's going to take a couple of weeks for that to mend enough as so you don't experience any discomfort. I know you told one of the nurses who offered you some painkillers that you didn't want any, but that eye is going to cause you some serious pain for a while. So, if you change your mind you just call us, my name and number will be on your release papers. Feel free to ask for me and I will write you a prescription," She said and Trudy nodded in agreement though she had no intention of taking her up on her offer. "It's a good thing you did the rape kit because we were able to retrieve some saliva from you. DNA testing is becoming mainstream now and there have already been some convictions all due to DNA evidence. If we catch this guy I am sure we can use your DNA against him," The doctor could see that speaking about the rape kit results was making Trudy uncomfortable which was not unusual, it was the typical reaction from women who had been attacked in such a manner. "There was some tearing in your vagina wall, but that will be healed up in a couple of days. I would give it a few days before you have sexual intercourse," At hearing that Trudy scowled up a bit at the thought of sex, but then held a panicked look as her mind then thought of Sonny. They had a very happy and healthy sex life and if she suddenly was resistant to making love she was sure that he would want to know why, and she didn't know if she could ever disclose to him what really happened. Dr. Jameson must have picked up on her distress. "I know that being a newlywed your sex life may be very busy right now, but you need time to heal. If you'd like I can discreetly explain this to your husband."

"No … thank you, but I'll tell Sonny myself," Trudy lied and Dr. Jameson knew it was a lie. She had seen this behavior in many victims of a sexual attack. They felt shame and don't want their spouses to know of what happened to them. This was usually because they feared that if their spouses knew the truth they would think that they were damaged goods and undesirable. In very rare cases, this was true but usually, the spouses tended to be very supportive and their love and support would help the victim heal more quickly.

"I understand," Dr. Jameson said with a nod. "Here is some information I wanted to share with you that I think will be helpful to you," She stated as she held out a card to Trudy, who took them and began to read over the card. "This is a therapist that specializes in cases such as yours, she even hosts a weekly group for survivors of rape."

"I was not raped, the guy never got his pants undone," Trudy declared. She was becoming irritated with people using that word against her.

"He didn't penetrate you with his penis, no," The doctor affirmed. "But he did penetrate you with his fingers, against your will, and by the definition of the law that too is considered rape, Ms. Joplin," Trudy knew that to be true but for some reason, she felt like her case was different. "Anyway, if you ever need to talk about what happen you have the resources. Did you have any questions for me?"

"No, but thank you for fixing me up," Trudy said with a smile that was barely there due to the bad swelling mostly to the left side of her face. "Well, actually I do have one question, when can I leave?" Trudy asked and Dr. Jameson smiled at her warmly.

"I just need to type up your release papers and a nurse will bring them back for you to sign, then you're free to go," She answered. "Give me 10, 15 minutes, ok?"

"Yeah, thank you," Trudy said relieved. Dr. Jameson gave a curt nod and then turned and left the room.

At the Nurse's Station

Sonny had rushed from the elevators even before they had fully opened, with Tubbs close on his heels. He ran to the nearby nurse's station.

"Hey, I'm looking for my wife, she was brought in about an hour ago," He said to the young blonde nurse who had been in the middle of a phone conversation with a patient. She smiled kindly at Sonny, held up a finger to ask him to give her one moment and then continued her phone conversation. Sonny frowned up a bit at what he felt was him being ignored. He reached over and pressed down the receiver button on the phone and disconnected the call, the young nurse's mouth fell open a bit as she stared at him with a look of disbelief. "Her name is Trudy Joplin-Crockett, she was brought in a little over an hour ago."

"Sir, you can't do that," The nurse began to protest as she felt uneasy and not sure exactly how she should handle the situation.

"I just did it, now will you please tell me where I can find my wife, her name is Trudy Joplin-Crockett," He repeated his agitation increased along with his voice. It was at that moment that Dr. Jameson walked up on the scene.

"Your wife is in the back, Mr. Crockett. I just saw her in fact," Dr. Jameson spoke and Sonny turned to her and gave her his full attention.

"Where is she, is she ok, can I see her?" Sonny rambled off half panicked.

"She's in one of our examination rooms and sorry but you can't go back there, it's restricted," Dr. Jameson stated and could tell by the deadly glare the man before her was sending her that he was preparing to fight if he had to, to see his wife. She mentally noted that that was a good sign, that this man would not be one of the few who can't handle their wives being attacked as Trudy had been. She could already tell just from the few seconds of meeting him that Sonny would stand by Trudy. "She's fine, badly bruised. She really took a beating, but she's a tough gal, no broken bones. I am getting her release papers ready now and then she'll be free to go. If you will just wait in the waiting area, I will personally bring her out to you in a few minutes, ok?" She could see that Sonny was not going willingly and was still readying to fight to see his wife. "Please Mr. Crockett, do not make this situation more stressful for your wife, she's been through enough already," Those words had the calming effect the doctor had hoped for and Sonny let out a heavy frustration filled sigh as he raked a hand through his hair.

"C'mon, it's just going to be a few more minutes," Tubbs spoke out as he placed a comforting hand on Sonny's shoulder. "Is there a coffee machine around here somewhere, Doc?" He then turned and addressed Dr. Jameson.

"Yes, there's one right in the waiting room, over there," She replied as she pointed to the entrance of the waiting room.

"Thanks, c'mon Sonny I'll buy you a coffee," Tubbs said as he pushed Sonny a little towards the waiting area.

"I don't want any damn coffee, "Sonny mumbled out as he stalked to the entrance of the waiting area.

"Sonny, Rico," Gina's voice reached out to them when she saw them walk into the room. She had been waiting for word on Trudy for over an hour. She stood from her chair and made her way over to where they had stopped just inside the entrance way.

"What the hell happened out there, Gina?" Sonny barked out as he buried his hands in his pants pockets and glared down at the woman standing before him.

"We found the guy who has been attacking prostitutes on the boulevard-" Gina began but Sonny quickly cut her off.

"I don't give a shit about that. I'm talking about what happened with Trudy. Why didn't you have her back out there tonight?" Sonny snapped at her and she frowned up at him in disgust.

"Sonny, man, that's uncalled for," Tubbs intervened understanding that at that moment Sonny was just taking out his frustrations on Gina but would regret it later.

"I had her back, I always have her back just like she always has mine," Gina defended. "Trudy was on the opposite side of the street from me and the 2 plainclothes officers shadowing us. She spotted the suspect first, he must've made us because he took off running and she chased after him. By the time I reached her he had already surprised attacked her, but I was able to get to them in time and I scared him off before-" She ended her words as she recalled the promise she had made to Trudy. "You know what I don't have to explain my actions to you, you can read my report tomorrow. Also, you can go to hell, Sonny, and take your accusations with you," She spat out the last part. Sonny was sorry for his harsh words to her but he was in no mood to apologize.

"It's not Gina's fault, Sonny," Trudy's crackly voice spoke out from behind them and Sonny quickly turned around to her and his stomach instantly twisted in knots at the sight of her bruised and battered face.

"Geez, baby," Sonny gasped out as he stepped to her and carefully reached out and cupped her face inside both of his hands as he looked her over.

"You should see the other guy," She joked as she gave the best smile that her wounds would allow.

"Oh, I plan on it," Sonny declared. "And when I do I am gonna pay him back in kind, and then some," He promised.

"It's all superficial, besides the cracked eye socket," Dr. Jameson said from just behind Trudy. "Most of the swelling will be gone in a few days."

"Please take me home, Sonny," Trudy spoke and her exhaustion came through in her voice.

"All right, darlin. Let's go home," Sonny replied as he tuned out everything else, wrapped his arm around her shoulders and lead them out of the waiting area and to the exit. Neither had bothered with any goodbyes as they left the others standing there to watch them leave.

They had gotten home, a home that was once Trudy's alone but they had opted to keep and Sonny moved most of his belongings there. Though he kept his boat and referred to it jokingly as their Summer home. Sonny made Trudy sit on their bed while he ran her a hot bath. He tried to help her out of the scrubs she wore but with each bruise, he saw his agitation grew as did his guilt. In the end, Trudy had just excused herself to the bathroom where she planned to undress in private, as she wanted to spare him any distress at seeing her in such a state. Also, because it shamed her a bit. Sonny followed her and stood in the doorway of the bathroom. He leaned against the door jamb and silently watched her carefully remove articles of clothing.

"Trudy, I am so sorry I wasn't there for you tonight," He said and she could see his face in the mirror of the medicine cabinet which she was facing. His regret and guilt were almost palpable.

"Sonny, you were across town doing your job," Trudy had tried to reason with him. "And I was trying to do mine. I didn't do so great but, my point is, it's not your job to protect me 24/7."

"I'm your husband, so that is my job," He countered. "I just wish I had been there, stopped that son-of-a-bitch from hurting you like this," He added as he stepped to where she stood and brushed some of her hair from her face and exposed the bruising there.

"And I wish I had been able to stop him so he doesn't hurt anyone else. He's killed two women already."

"Yeah, and you could've been number three. FUCK!" He roared out and Trudy jumped a little at the sudden outburst. "I swear to God if I wasn't so worried about you right now I'd be out there looking for that creep," Sonny said his rage evident in his voice and demeanor.

"I'm going to be fine, these bruises will heal," She promised. "Right now, I just want to soak in a hot bath and sleep for a couple of days," She had said the last part jokingly.

"And you can. I'll call Castillo first thing in the morning and let him know we'll need a few off days."

"No," Trudy interjected and made Sonny stare at her baffled. "I feel like in the past few months I've taken off more time from the job then I have the 10 years I've been on the force. My face hurts, yes, and I'm not the prettiest thing to look at right now-"

"You're gorgeous," He threw in and had meant every word. Trudy tried to smile but the effort was too painful.

"Thank you for your very biased opinion, honey," She said with a chuckle. "Point is this," She waved her hands at her face. "They're just superficial like the doctor said. I can still do my job and I'm going to. And please," She hurriedly cut off the protest he had opened his mouth to say. "Don't argue with me about it because I don't have the strength right now," He shut his mouth and frowned up a bit at the idea of her not taking a few days to heal. "If it will make you feel any better I'll just do desk duty for a while," At this thought, she groaned and he smiled warmly at her as he knew how much she hated desk duty, but at least she was willing to compromise.

"All right darlin," Sonny agreed with a nod. "While you're in the bath I'll fix you something to eat, what are you craving?"

"A T-Bone, medium rare with a couple of baked potatoes on the side," She immediately replied.

"You got it," He said with a smile. "Do you need help getting in the tub?" He offered as he carefully rubbed his fingers across her back.

"No, I can manage," She replied. "But if you'd like to make a salad as a side with the T-Bone and bake potato that would be helpful," She said with a crooked smile and she winked her good eye at him.

"Anything you want," Sonny declared with a smile and then his face took on a more somber look as she reached up and stroked her long soft hair. "I am just so glad you're still here with me. When I got that call…" He clamped his eyes shut for a moment and Trudy slowly settled against him and wrapped her arms around him to console him. He enveloped her in his arms too, making sure to not cause her any pain. "I have never prayed so hard in my life or been so scared, Trudy," He confessed.

"I'm sorry I worried you like that, baby."

"Don't be sorry," He said as he pulled from the embrace to stare down into her face. "Just be more careful. Don't run after some guy like that without backup. And please don't start with about the, 'I am woman, hear me roar' stuff, all right?"

"Yes, dear," Trudy replied and her words triggered a big smile from both her and Sonny. Although it pained her face she covered it well as so to not alarm or worry Sonny more than he already was.

"All right, you enjoy your bath and I'll let you know once dinner is ready," He then moved in for a kiss.

"Ouchie," Trudy said to stop him as her lips were busted and swollen. He understood and leaned in and placed a soft kiss to the side of her forehead that didn't have the lump on it. He then turned and left the bathroom that was connected to their bedroom, and he closed the door behind him. Once alone she turned and looked at herself in the mirror and she felt disgusted by what she saw there. She quickly averted her eyes and then turned to the tub. She finished peeling off the clothes she had n and then stepped into the steaming hot bath. "Suuuss," She hissed out a little as the heat touch some of the bruises on her legs. Then she moaned lowly and clamped her eyes shut as she finally settled her bottom in the tub. She wasn't sure if it was the water, the heat, or both but when she submerged her center down in it the burning sensation had brought on tears that flowed from her eyes. When she looked down she became frightened a bit at seeing blood float out from between her legs and stain the water. She grabbed her cloth and lathered it up with soap and then reached in between her legs to clean herself. It intensified the pain, the way she was vigorously scrubbing herself. Even still she mentally felt a little better with each wipe. She felt like she would be able to wipe the pain, the disgust, and the shame she was feeling away.

More to come...