Chapter 13
Trisha walked to Helen's room with Tanya, her assistant as this section of the hospital was quieter and less crowded. The bright glare of the hospital's lights increased the pounding spread throughout her head. She sipped on the soda that Lonnie had brought her.
A young officer with brown clury hair and pack full of muscles stood with a welcoming grin. "You must be Ms. Chimes."
"Yes, I am. This is my assistant Tanya Jackson."
"Ms. Chimes, I'm Officer Everett."
"Please, call me, Trisha. Nice to meet you."
"Likewise, ma'am. Helen is alert and nervous. Officer Shepard is with her. You both can go in."
"Thank you." She paused. "Have her parents or their attorney have made an appearance?"
"No, ma'am." He held the door open for them.
They entered, as a blond headed woman in jeans and a nice blouse stood, grinning at them.
The woman walked, holding out her hand. "Dee Shepard. You must be Trisha and your friend Tanya."
"Yes, I am. This is Tanya. Nice to meet you."
"Helen is bit nervous about this meeting," Dee whispered.
"What I have read about what she has experienced I would be too. Do you need to check my tote?"
"If you don't mind?"
Trisha gave her the tote. "Not at all. I brought a few items for Miss Helen." She turned and faced Tanya. "Did you have..."
Her assistant held a pad and pen, as Dee giggled.
"These are very thoughtful," Dee said, and motioned them to follow her. "Helen. Your guests have arrived. This is Trisha, and her assistant Tanya. They are here to help you."
Helen sat in the hospital bed frozen like an ice statue, and the girl reminded Trisha of a frightened Angel.
She took a step. "Hi, Helen. How are you feeling?"
The girl shrugged, as Dee was about to say something. She touched the woman's arm.
"Tanya is my friend and assistant. She will be taking notes for me. We are both here to help you."
"What if I don't want her here?" Helen snapped.
"I would prefer she stays because I need her to take my notes. See, about a year ago, I had someone to hurt me. That person caused me to have a stroke. I have a difficult time in writing, now."
She waited for an answer hoping that Helen realized she wasn't alone.
"Okay. Tanya has a nice smile like you."
"Thank you, Ms. Helen."
"What's in the bag?" The girl pointed.
"I brought some items for you..."
"Gifts..." she muttered.
"Ms. Helen, did your stepbrother give you presents."
Helen nodded.
"Well, you have an option not to accept. I thought you used some cheer."
"Why don't we take a look, Helen? You're going to love these," Dee said, pulling out a quilt, a couple stuff animals, and a pad of drawing paper with pencils.
"Why are you giving me presents?" Helen snapped.
She took a sip of the soda wanting her pain to stop, but Helen's agony wasn't going to stop for a long time. "I'm giving you gifts to bring you joy and happiness. I don't want anything from you. "
Helen toyed with the blanket. "My stepfather and stepbrother gave me presents for my cooperation. I had to do yucky..."
Dee gripped the tote bag, as her lips twisted out of disgust.
"Helen, please look at me." The girl's blue eyes stared at her. "I'm here to make sure you never return home."
"Good. If I go back they will kill me."
"Are you ready to tell us what happened with Chief Forbes in the room? she asked.
Helen nodded.
Dee went to Everett to summoned the chief. Trisha held Helen's hand and prepared herself the horrific tale the girl was about to release.