Here is the next chapter. Callie is going through a rough time. Time heals but it won't be quick. Thanks for the reviews! Amber

Chapter 9

The next morning Fenton held another press conference. He walked up to the podium. "Good morning. Last night, our task force in conjunction with an FBI SWAT team executed a warrant to arrest a suspect in the college serial rapes and one murder. This morning I can confirm that the suspect's DNA was matched to the 23 victims. During the execution of the warrant the suspect was armed and started shooting. As a result deadly force had to be used. The college women in Boston can rest easy tonight. The rapist turned murderer has been stopped. Justice in this case was served. An internal investigation will occur as is procedure due to the use of deadly force. I would like to thank the task force who worked diligently to find the suspect and I want to thank the police departments for doing their part. I'll take some questions."

A reporter stood up. "Stan Bush Fox News...I have received an anonymous tip that one of the later victims was your daughter in law will you confirm."

Fenton was not happy at this question. It was very insensitive. He answered firmly. "Since this case isn't going to trial all the victims will remain anonymous to give them privacy."

The Fox News reporter pushed. "But if it was your daughter in law doesn't that make you biased. It could be argued that deadly force didn't have to be used."

Sam practically had to push Fenton from the microphone. "ASAC Radley FBI. I've worked with ASAC Hardy for thirty years. You won't find a more professional, or more qualified investigator anywhere. Your question is an insult. Next." He gestured to a Boston newspaper. Then moved aside so Fenton could step back up to the podium.

"Jennifer Spring Boston Chronicle ASAC Hardy what was the last victim's cause of death?"

Fenton said. "We don't have COD yet. The autopsy is not yet complete."

Jennifer Spring continued. "These attacks started in September. Why did it take so long for the FBI to get involved."

The Boston Police Chief stepped up to the microphone. "I'll answer that. The chiefs of the affected jurisdictions wanted to call the FBI for assistance much sooner but we were forbidden by the Governor in doing so. He felt like a panic would start. Fenton Hardy, Sam Radley, and the rest of the agents working with our detectives were able to combine resources and this predator is now off the street. The task force closed the case within 72 hours. All the departments are grateful for the FBI's assistance. That is all. Thank you for your time."

Fenton was grateful. He leaned into his friend's ear. "You just opened the floodgates."

"I don't care if I'm forced to retire. You should have been called weeks ago."

Fenton knew that Sam would return to Bayport this morning. He on the other hand drove to the hospital to see Callie. She and Frank were both resting. Callie suddenly screamed and jerked awake. "No!"

Frank jumped up.

Fenton rushed to the bed. He soothed. "You're safe sweetheart."

Callie was sobbing in Frank's arms. Frank looked exhausted. Fenton raised an eyebrow.

Frank answered his silent question."She doesn't sleep well. Even with a sleeping pill. She has horrible dreams."

Fenton sat. "Your mother did too for a long time. But they ease off over time."

Callie stopped crying. "What does that mean?"

Fenton said. "Honey, your attacker's father was a serial rapist during mine and Laura's time at Boston College. She was raped by him. It's how we found your rapist so quickly because his DNA was in the New York database."

Callie's lips trembled. "She never said. Frank did you know?"

"Not until last night. Mom never talked about it."

"I just want to feel normal."

Fenton squeezed her hand. "You will not be the same Callie. I'm sorry to say it. But in time with help from us and a therapist you'll start to feel more like yourself but in a different way. The rape doesn't define you honey it never will as long as you know it."

Tears fell down Callie's face. "What can I do? I don't want to talk about it. It's too humiliating. I couldn't defend myself, like you showed me Frank. He was so fast."

Frank kissed her other hand. "Honey he was a trained police officer, trained in how to restrain and immobilize. What happened isn't your fault."

"I'm glad he's dead. It's horrible for me to say and selfish but I'm glad."

Fenton gave her hand another squeeze. "It's not horrible or selfish. He raped you and 21 others. He killed one and almost killed you. If we'd caught him alive he'd most likely go to trial. That would have been so hard on you. It was hard for Laura."

Callie adjusted herself in bed and moaned in pain. "Ouch." She wished she had the pain drip but that had been cut off this morning. "I really need something for pain." She picked up her phone and called her nurse. "Ashley it's Callie Hardy in 390. I really need something for pain. Thanks."

Frank moved a piece of stray hair from Callie's face. "She'll be back soon sweetie."

Callie got to go home after a week in the hospital. Luckily she had full kidney function. She couldn't do much, but at least she was home. She didn't like being alone. Frank went out of the way to make sure she wasn't. When he had class someone else came to the house. Brooke didn't understand why mama couldn't pick her up. That resulted in a meltdown by the confused baby and frustration for Callie. Joe was currently at the house with her. Callie had a therapist appointment in an hour. Frank was probably on his way back. Joe brought her a sandwich. Callie didn't feel like eating but Joe would worry if she didn't. She ate half. Joe didn't press her.

"Thanks for being here Joe."

"No problem. I'll stay and watch the kiddo while you and Frank go to your appointment."

Callie didn't want to go. But Laura said that the therapy helped her. Laura said it would be hard in the beginning but slowly get better. Callie hoped so. She hadn't had a decent night's sleep since the incident. She was tired of being scared and still felt dirty. There were times when she didn't even want to be touched by her own husband which angered her. It also made her feel guilty. Her husband was the kindest and most loving man in the world. She knew that in the depths of her soul. But her head was confusing things. She heard the door open. Callie went to meet him. Right now she wanted a hug. Callie saw Frank and smiled. "Hey."

Frank smiled at her in return. "Hey yourself."

Callie put her arms around his neck and rested her cheek on his chest. Frank put his arms around her. They stood there for a couple minutes.

Frank rubbed her arms. "What's on your mind sweetheart."

"A lot of things."

Joe came up from the basement. He nodded at his brother and disappeared into the kitchen.

Frank looked at his watch. "We have to go honey."

Callie sobbed. "I don't want to go."

"Sweetheart I'll be there with you."

"I know. It's just. Going to a strange place and all those people staring at me."

Frank didn't know what to say. He held her a little longer. "Honey nobody in that waiting room is going to know what happened to you. I know it's the hardest thing but you can't just stay in the house."

Callie snapped. "I know that!" Callie shook her head cursing at herself inwardly. "Sorry Frank."

"Darling you have nothing to apologize for." He took her hand. "Just one step at a time okay."

"Okay."