Disclaimer: I don't own In Plain Sight or any of the characters, so please don't sue!
Chapter Two
Whitney ran off, leaving Marshall standing at his doorstep with a little girl at his feet. He leaned down to pat her shoulder but she flinched back, as if he was going to hit her. He kneeled down so he was at her eye level, to make him seem less intimidating.
"Hi Aliza," he whispered, "I won't hurt you, okay? I promise." The four year old nodded weakly, her scraggily hair all over her face. Marshall saw the bruises up and down Aliza's arms. He took her little hand and led her inside. Her dress was worn out, so he put her on the couch, wrapped up in a soft blanket. She said nothing, but her pale eyes were grateful. He paced back and forth in the living room, trying to contain his anger. What had they done to his little girl? She whimpered slightly, tears running down her white face. He sat down next to her.
"I bet you're hungry," he said to himself, "Do you want something to eat Ally?" He saw how bony and fragile she was, but she was so very pretty. She nodded again sleepily. Marshall went to the fridge and pulled out milk and some applesauce. He wasn't sure what else to give her. She trembled slightly but ate it quickly. Marshall noticed she was coughing a little bit and he felt her forehead.
"You're sick," he muttered. It would give him a reason to go to the doctor's office and have a paternity test done, just in case, but she had already fallen asleep. Marshall picked her up and cradled her in his arms, as the little girl subconsciously snuggled up against his chest. He smiled and tucked her into his bed. Afterwards, he sat and stared at her. It all seemed so unreal. He knew he had to protect her from his job, because now, if he lost his life, someone who was depending on it would lose their care and love and food. He picked up his phone and called Mary.
"Hello?"
"Mary? It's Marshall. I need your help, can you come over now?"
"I'm busy, Marshall. If it's an emergency, call Stan."
"I don't think Stan could deal with this sort of emergency."
"Fine, I'll come over." She hung up. Marshall watched TV quietly until he heard the doorbell ring. He rushed to the front door, only to find a pissed off Mary standing there.
"What's the big deal, Marshall?" She demanded. He pulled her into his room and pointed to the form in the bed. She cautiously walked over and pulled the sheets back, then turned to stare at Marshall.
"Who the hell is she?" Mary asked in a harsh whisper.
"She's my daughter, Aliza." He said quietly. It sounded good to say. Mary scoffed.
"Jesus, Marshall. How the hell are you going to look after a four year old girl?" She demanded. He shrugged.
"I'll figure something out. Besides, she's my responsibility. She's always been beaten up, and this is my chance to give her a better life."
TBC…not as good as I would've wanted it to be…anyways please PLEASE review!!