Part Eleven
Det. Pulaski sat in the detention area of Mercy Central just off of the emergency room interviewing Mary Evans, wife of Paul Evans. She had been taken into custody by the security guards at the main entrance as soon as she entered the hospital. Det. Pulaski was doing his best to conduct the interview with a straight face. It wasn't easy with all of the b.s. Mrs. Evans was throwing his way.
"You're saying Sam's wounds were self-inflicted?"
"We believe in mortification of the flesh. It's a religious ritual designed to bring us closer to God." She eyed Det. Pulaski coolly. "I don't expect you to be familiar with the term."
"Mortification usually involves fasting."
Mary raised an eyebrow, surprised at the detective's knowledge of her church's practice. "Not always." She nodded towards the Polaroid photos of Sam's back on the table between them. "Obviously. The greater the corruption, the more stringent the measure needed to excise the moral flaw."
"Being gay must be a pretty serious corruption, huh?"
Mary pursed her lips, offended. "My son is not-!" She looked away. "He was tempted by that abomination."
"And by 'abomination' you're referring to Kurt Hummel?" No response. "I need you to say yes or no for the tape, ma'am."
"Yes."
Det. Pulaski tossed an evidence bag onto to the table.
"Earlier today I conducted a search warrant at your house and recovered this belt. Do you recognize it?"
"Yes."
"Is that the belt that was used to whip your son, Sam Evans?"
Mary answered sharply, emphasizing her words to correct Det. Pulaski's assumptions. "I believe it to be the belt my son used to chastise himself, yes."
"Whose belt is it?"
"Sam's."
Det. Pulaski sipped his coffee before casually asking, "How does a kid with a 32 inch waist wear a 44 inch belt?"
Mary Evans paled. "How-?"
Pulaski sifted through the photos before finding the two he wanted. He shoved them across the table and tapped on them, drawing her attention down. They were close up photos of specific impressions on Sam's shoulders.
"That belt has a raised, stamped metal tip on the end. Those marks were made by that metal tip hitting Sam's skin. If Sam caused his own injuries by whipping himself over the shoulder as you've indicated, those marks should be at his waist area and pointing down." Pulaski's anger colored his voice, adding an intimidating rumble. "They're not. They're on his shoulders and pointing up." He fixed Mrs. Evans with a piercing, unsympathetic gaze. "It's physically impossible for Sam to have done this to himself."
He glanced over at Mrs. Della Rose. So far during the interview, she had been quietly observing and taking notes. However, at Pulaski's revelation, she nervously began shuffling her papers into her briefcase and preparing to leave.
"Anything you'd like to add, Mrs. Rose?"
"Obviously, I need to remove Sam and Sarah immediately and place them into foster care. Fortunately, there's a lovely young couple from the Evans' church who are happy to take them in." She stood to leave. "I'll be in touch, detective."
Det. Pulaski's fist slammed into the table, startling both ladies. "Sit. Down. This interview is over when I say it's over." He would deal with Della Rose's involvement in this shortly. But she didn't need to know just yet that he was on to her. Meekly, Della Rose sank back into her chair.
"The bruises on Sam's neck." Pulaski slid another photo over to Mrs. Evans. "Any idea how those happened?"
"I've already answered that question."
"I need it on record."
Mary Evans fidgeted with her wedding band, clearly uncomfortable with Det. Pulaski's question. Finally, she sighed and answered softly, "That abomi-that-boy-choked him during sex." Her lips tightened into a thin line. "It's what those people do."
"You don't strike me as a woman who would know about choking fetishes."
"Google." She answered stiffly.
"You make a habit of Googling kinky sex practices?", Pulaski couldn't resist asking.
Mary gasped, turning bright pink. "Certainly not! My husband-"
Pulaski raised an eyebrow. "Your husband likes to look up potentially lethal kinky sex ideas?" Mary Evans stammered, obviously flustered. Det. Pulaski took another sip of coffee. "I'd say you've got more serious things to worry about than which team your son's batting for."
Det. Pulaski leaned back in his chair, watching the two women silently and gauging their body language and facial expressions. He needed to get back and check on Sam. Time to bring this interrogation to a close.
"The size and spread of the bruises on Sam's neck don't match Kurt's hand span. I've got a search warrant for your husband's finger and hand prints. I'm guessing they're going to be a perfect match. What do you think?"
Mrs. Evans glanced at the clock. She had been talking to Det. Pulaski for over an hour. She prayed that she had delayed the detective long enough for her husband Paul to complete his plans. Mary squared her shoulders and lifted her chin slightly. "I think I'd like to see my attorney now."
"Fair enough. Stand up, turn around, put your hands behind your back. I'm placing you under arrest for felony child abuse." He handcuffed her quickly. And, after a cursory pat down, let her return to her seat.
Meanwhile, Della Rose stood up and had one hand on the door, ready to leave.
"Not so fast." Det. Pulaski pulled out a second pair of handcuffs. "Same thing. Hands behind your back."
"Excuse me?"
Pulaski took her briefcase out of her hands, pulled her wrists back and had Della handcuffed before she could protest again. He set her into a chair, not being particularly gentle about it.
"My partner saw you at Paul Evans' real estate office earlier. He recognized you when you showed up here on behalf of CPS." Pulaski lied easily. Sam Evans had recognized Della as church member when Pulaski had mentioned her as the assigned CPS caseworker. But she didn't need to know that. "Seems like a conflict of interest at least." Pulaski smiled coldly. "But I'm betting the prosecutor will go for obstruction of justice."
Det. Pulaski double checked their handcuffs before leaving. "Ladies, a female officer will be in shortly to do a thorough body search. When the wagon arrives, we'll get you transported to Central Processing."
With that, he closed the door and walked down the corridor to check on Sam.
Embarrassed. Humiliated. Sam tried not flinch as the police officer continued photographing his body. But in the harsh lights of the hospital exam room dressed only in his underwear with a stranger cataloging every mark on his skin, it was hard. Each flash of the camera etched this moment deeper in his memory. Made it more real somehow. More painful even. He knew it was necessary, but the experience left him feeling ashamed and vulnerable. Hurting. He thought of Kurt and wished he would call or text soon.
"Lift your chin. Good. And hold."
The officer assured him they were almost done. They had already covered front and back. Now the photos focused on the bruises around his neck.
"But they already took pictures!"
Sam smiled when he heard Sarah's voice on the other side of the privacy curtain.
"Yes, but this officer is taking good pictures."
Sam tried not to laugh at Rachel's response. She was still bristling over her initial encounter with Det. Pulaski at McKinley High. When he had answered Quinn's request and showed up at Mercy Central, Rachel's second run-in with the detective hadn't been any friendlier. The snide comment about Det. Pulaski's hurriedly snapped Polaroids would never be heard by the intended victim. Just Rachel Berry's way of soothing her ruffled feathers.
Rachel Berry. She had been the last person he'd expected Quinn to contact. And when Quinn had explained that Rachel's dads were foster parents? Sam was still having a wtf? moment over that little surprise. But Quinn had merely shrugged, murmured something again about checking into all of her options and left things at that. He heard Rachel's voice again. Then Quinn's. And, after a moment, Sarah giggling. He had to admit, Rachel and Sarah seemed to have made a connection.
"We're done. You can get dressed now."
The police photographer left. Sam glanced at the hospital gown waiting for him. Showing off his abs at school was one thing. Walking around with his ass hanging out of a flimsy gown was another. He opted for his jeans and sweater instead, but left his t-shirt off.
When he pulled the curtain back, he saw Det. Pulaski had come in and was being badgered by Rachel.
"My dads-"
"One, are not here yet. And two, still need to go through the Child Protective Services caseworker. When everyone is here, Miss Berry-and not one minute before-we will sit down and work things out."
Sarah snuggled against Rachel's arm as Quinn stroked her hair.
"I wanna go with Rachel."
Rachel flashed a triumphant if smug smile at Pulaski. He ignored her to crouch down in front of Sarah and put a hand on her knee. "We'll see what we can do, sweetie. Right now, I need you to do something else."
There was a knock on the door and Det. Brewster walked in. "They're ready. And Off. Reyes is here to do the body searches."
Det. Pulaski nodded. "Sarah, Det. Brewster is going to take you down to Radiology for some x-rays."
Sarah glanced at Sam for his reaction. He smiled and nodded encouragingly. "It's okay, it won't hurt."
Sarah considered for a moment, before looking at Det. Brewster slyly, "Do I get candy afterwards?"
Det. Brewster held his hand out for Sarah to take. "I think we can work something out-if it's okay with your big brother."
Sarah looked at Sam hopefully. "One Hershey bar or orange juice. Not both." Quinn looked at him quizzically. Sam shrugged. "The chocolate has antioxidants, the juice has vitamin C. I don't want her eating pure junk."
Quinn laughed. "You're such a good brother." Sam blushed at her compliment.
After Det. Brewster and Sarah left, Det. Pulaski sat down with Sam. Rachel was only half listening, making a point of texting while he was talking. Quinn, though, stayed by Sam's side, one hand on his knee and listened intently.
"Your mom and Della Rose are in custody. They'll be taken to jail shortly. I've got an APB out for your dad and officers at the church, his office, your house and McKinley looking for him."
Sam nodded. He swallowed hard before asking, "What if he shows up here?"
"The hospital security guards have his photo. They're aware of the situation." Pulaski reached for Sam's wrist and checked his hospital i.d. "The nurses got that changed?" Sam nodded again. "Good. That lets them know that your visitors need to be screened."
Pulaski stood to leave. "I need to check on your mom. Right now, this is the safest place for you. Stay here." He squeezed Sam's shoulder. "You're handling this better than a lot of adults I know. Just hang on a little bit longer."
As soon as Det. Pulaski left, Rachel looked up gleefully. "My dads will be here any minute. And they've already contacted the CPS caseworker and gotten approval for you and Sarah to stay with us." She glanced at the door. "Let's see what Det. Pulaski thinks of that!" Her smile faltered. "I mean-that's okay with you, right, Sam?"
Sam flashed a grin that was more reassuring than he really felt. "Yeah. That sounds great. Thanks."
"Hey." Quinn patted his knee. "I'm really proud of you. I know this hasn't been easy. But you did it, Sam."
Rachel's soft gasp startled them both. She read the text message she had just received out loud. "Finn's here-with Kurt."
Sam's face lit up. "Kermie!" He dropped his shoes and socks and ran barefoot out into the hall, brushing Rachel's hand aside as she tried to grab him.
"Sam, wait! It isn't-"
Quinn looked over Rachel's shoulder to read the rest of Finn's text. "Oh, my God."
They both ran out after Sam, trying to stop him.
Sam spotted Finn in the emergency room's lobby right away. There was an older man he didn't recognize with Finn. Sam slowed to a fast walk, scanning the area. No sign of Kurt. The paramedics had brought in a new trauma and were wheeling him into the closest emergency room. Impatiently, Sam waited for them to clear the corridor so he could reach Finn, not paying attention to what was being said in the background.
"16 year old white male. Unresponsive. Possible o.d."
Finally, Sam caught Finn's attention but Finn barely glanced his way. Instead, his attention seemed focused on the activity in the emergency room. Quinn and Rachel caught up with him. Rachel immediately went to the older man next to Finn and hugged him.
Quinn touched Sam's shoulder lightly, her face full of concern and sympathy. "Sam…"
Confused, Sam glanced from Quinn back to Finn, then looked over to where Finn's attention was focused.
"On three. One, two and three-lift!"
The paramedics smoothly moved Kurt onto the hospital gurney and stepped aside, letting the Mercy Central staff take over his care.
Sam caught a glimpse of Kurt's face and ripped t-shirt and unconsciously tightened his hands into fists. He flashed back to his dream. Remembered the sense of loss he'd felt as Kurt had slipped from his reach.
"Pupils dilated and reactive."
"Prep to intubate."
"Primary and secondary i.v. established."
He glanced worriedly at Quinn. "Do you think my dad-?"
Quinn chewed her lip, thoughtfully. "I don't know, Sam." She grabbed his hand and gave it a quick squeeze.
Burt Hummel stopped one of the nurses and handed her the empty pill bottle.
"This was with him. I think he overdosed on nitroglycerin."
"That's a lie!" Sam broke from Quinn and turned to confront Burt, furious. "Kurt wouldn't do that." He glanced at the swarm of people descending on Kurt. A nurse cut Kurt's clothes away and tossed them in a corner. A doctor tilted his chin back and slid a plastic tube down his throat. Blood was drawn. Wired leads from an ekg were fastened to his chest. And Kurt lay on the gurney unresponsive to anything.
"He wouldn't leave me." Sam murmured unconvincingly.
Burt Hummel glared. "Who the hell are you?"
Quinn and Rachel, overhearing the conversation, hurried up, each taking one of Sam's arms in hers.
"He's a friend of ours."
"And of Kurt's."
"He's a friend of our Kurt." Rachel frowned, that did not come out right.
Sam shrugged free, irritated. "I'm Kurt's boyfriend!" He was thrilled to finally be able to say that out loud. He eyed Burt defiantly, daring him to challenge his claim. "Who the hell are you?"
"I'm Kurt's dad." Burt said threateningly.
"BOYFRIEND?"
Finn broke past the two girls and tackled Sam into the wall, knocking the air out of him. He grabbed Sam's sweater , yanked him up and slammed him into the wall again, holding him there. "What the hell, dude?" He punched Sam once. He pulled back for another blow but Sam shoved him off.
Finn came at him again, grabbing his face and forcing Sam to look at Kurt. "You did this to him!" He threw Sam to the floor. "You let the police-you let us-you let me think he was coming onto you!" Finn looked at Kurt, feeling guilty.
Sam landed his own solid punch to Finn's jaw, rocking his head back. He lunged for Finn again but Burt Hummel grabbed him around the waist and hauled him back.
"Knock it off!"
Finn tried to take advantage and come after Sam yet again but by this time Det. Pulaski arrived to keep Finn in check.
"You're not good enough for Kurt!"
Two security officers and a petite nurse with dark brown hair hurried over. Det. Pulaski nodded to the two guards. "It's okay. Everything's under control now." He glanced at the nurse. "Sorry for the disruption."
The nurse smiled apologetically. "I'm sorry, Det. Pulaski, but we have rules. This young man will need to go with the guards to in-patient detention to finish treatment. Or he'll have to leave the hospital."
Sam glanced over his shoulder at Kurt. "I'm not leaving!"
Det. Pulaski eyed the nurse critically. "Finn started the fight."
"Again, I'm sorry, but the only thing I saw was this young man-" she indicated Sam "-throwing a punch at the other young man." She looked at the security guards who nodded, confirming what they had seen, too.
Pulaski sighed. "Where's in-patient detention?"
"Second floor, Room 234."
"The security guards will stay with him?"
"Of course, detective."
"I'm not-" Sam started to protest again.
"Shut. Up." Pulaski quickly silenced him. "The sooner you calm down, the sooner you get to see your boyfriend. Got that?"
Sam glared at Finn but mumbled in agreement under his breath.
Det. Pulaski glanced at his pager. "Wagon's here. I need to get your mom and Della loaded. Go with the guards and don't give them any problems, Sam. I'll be up in a few minutes."
The guards escorted Sam to the elevators and Det. Pulaski headed back to the non-patient detention area. Burt Hummel fixed Finn, Rachel and Quinn with a steely gaze. A guilty flush crept up Finn's face and the two girls shifted on their feet uncomfortably.
"One of you better start talking. Now."
In a far corner of the lobby, the petite nurse with dark hair approached a man reading a three month old issue of Time.
"They're waiting for you."
Paul Evans looked up from the article he was reading. "Thank you, Marisa."