LIKE VULTURES

"We've been trying to get a witness statement from your daughter for two weeks now, but she consistently refuses to answer any of our questions." Constable Vaughn commented.

"What do you expect? She's only four years old. Ever since she's woken up, you people have been on her like vultures," Ross said testily. Lately, his temper had been getting the better of him. He was just so overwhelmed with stress, sleep-deprivation and anxiety. Emma's struggle to recover was taking a toll on him.

Vaughn appraised Ross silently. Taking a deep breath, Ross continued in a calmer voice. "Rachel and I have been trying really hard to get Emma out of the woods, and we can't do that when we're constantly surrounded by authorities. We need a little privacy."

"At the expense of seeking justice for your daughter?"

Ross bristled at the comment. "What? No, that's not what I meant! I'm saying my number one priority is for Emma to get better, and she can't if she's constantly harassed by you people!" Ross's face flushed with indignation.

Vaughn put his palms up defensively, "Alright, okay Mr Geller, I apologise. Given Emma survived, her testimony is effectively conclusive evidence of how she sustained her injuries; so the only thing of value I can do, is to push for her testimony. The prosecution refuses to move ahead with this case unless I collect that statement. So really, we've got the entire judiciary waiting on your child, so forgive me for being a tad pushy." Ross fumed with irritation at this arrogant, insensitive prick. His daughter needed space, and it had become clear to Ross that this asshole wasn't going to give it to her.

"I can sense what's going on here. Chandler Bing is your friend, so you're in no hurry for criminal charges to be laid against him." Ross raised his eyes in surprise at Vaughn's insightfully accurate judgement.

"My sister told us what happened; Rach and I know it was an accident. Believe me, I'm struggling to forgive him, but he's still my friend, and I'm certain he's innocent of whatever it is you're accusing him of. And honestly, my daughter isn't coping well with all this attention."

"If you're certain he's innocent, you should encourage Emma to speak to us, because one word from her that she wasn't knifed by his hand, and we'll drop the case against Mr Bing. But until then, it is my responsibility to the State, and to this little girl, is to pursue this matter. I don't enjoy harassing your family, but I need Emma's statement. The sooner she speaks, the sooner I'll be out of your hair."

"You're just so hell-bent on pinning Chandler for this, aren't you?" Ross shook his head slowly, whispering in bewilderment.

"The only thing I'm hell-bent on, Mr Geller, is determining the truth. I would be careful not to form snap judgements about anyone's guilt or innocence. It's not outside the realm of possibility for a man of good standing to lash out at a child in a moment of stress; then call an ambulance in regret. It's a situation I've come across frequently in my line of work."

"Well, it's not the situation here! He didn't stab my child, that's just bloody ridiculous!" Ross yelled with exasperation.

"I don't want to quarrel with you, Mr Geller. Just know that you'll speed up my departure and Mr Bing's exoneration by encouraging Emma to speak. Good day." Vaughn extended his hand. Ross reluctantly shook it. Vaughn turned on his heel and left the hospital.

That night, Ross launched into a deep discussion with Rachel. "The police seem convinced Chandler stabbed Em. We really need to persuade her to tell us what happened, to clear his name."

Rachel nodded soberly, "I'm really… frustrated, really angry at him for not watching Em, he would've saved us so much pain, if he had just… watched her properly, I wish I'd asked someone else to babysit, I wish he could've just… but despite all that, somehow, I still… I love him, he's still one of our best friends, and it would be really screwed up if he went to jail for this. It's not what I want, it's not what Emma wants; we can't let that happen…" Rachel struggled to put her painful mixed feelings for Chandler into words. Ross pulled Rachel into his arms, cradling her close to him.

"Yeah, I feel the same way Rach," he whispered sadly. Keeping perfectly still, Emma pretended to be asleep, attentively eavesdropping on her parents' conversation.