A few days later, Danny was at the office doing paperwork with Samantha at the conference table. "Would you believe...I caught another error. We are going to have to chip in to give Martin typing lessons," Samantha joked.
"That's what you get for sweet-talking him into to completing your paperwork," replied Danny.
"Shut up, Danny...I did not. He volunteered."
Danny smirked, "I bet he volunteered."
"What does that mean?"
"Relax. I'm just kidding," Danny said but actually he knew that Martin had a crush on Samantha. He could see it every time Martin looked at her. But Danny knew that Samantha was in love with Jack. He did his best to stay out of the complicated dynamic in the office. He had enough to worry about in his own life, and he felt it was none of his business. He liked keeping his live private, so he didn't ask a lot of questions of his co-workers. Of course, that got hard after Kathryn and Michael came into his life. He couldn't help but want to share his happiness. And they were all so happy for him.
"This is going to take us forever," exclaimed Samantha.
"Well we better work faster. I've got to get out of here by 5."
"Big plans?"
"We have an interview at a preschool. They are actually interviewing us to see if they will accept Michael. It's the craziest thing I've ever heard. They are running a background check on us and everything. They are almost as thorough as we are. Pre-schools in Manhattan are big business, I guess."
"I've heard that. They are competitive and expensive," remarked Samantha.
"Yes, they are. Kathryn's parents actually set up an education trust fund for Michael when he was born. They want us to use it for this. I put up a fight at first, but then I thought who am I to take this away from him or Kathryn? I want him to have to best of everything, and if that means sucking it up and getting help...then so be it."
"I'm very impressed, Danny. You are actually like a real grown-up."
"I am finally, aren't I?," he replied pensively with a silly smile.
Samantha laughed as she went back to her paperwork. A few minutes later, Danny cell phone rang interrupting their work flow.
"Taylor," he answered.
"Oh my god, Danny...it's Shelly," a frantic voice called out on the other end. Danny recognized the voice of Shelly Simmons, Kathryn's paralegal and best friend from the DA's office. "Something happened...Kathryn...she...Oh my god...," she said crying hysterically.
"Shelly...Shelly...calm down. What happened? Where's Kathryn?" Danny asked frantically as Samantha looked on with concern.
A male voice then came on the line, "Mr. Taylor? Are you Kathryn's husband?"
"Yes...yes...who the hell is this?"
"This is Officer Ray Kline...I'm with the security detail here at the courthouse. Mr. Taylor, your wife...she was assaulted in her office this afternoon."
"What? How is she? Where is she?"
"She's going to be fine. They are loading her into the ambulance right now. Ms. Simmons is riding with her. She's regained consciousness. They are taking her to St.Vincent's..."
Danny didn't wait for more information. He shut his phone and got up to leave. Samantha got up too and said, "Wait...Danny...what happened?"
"It's Kathryn...she's hurt...I've got to get to her."
"OK...just stay calm. I'm going to drive you," Samantha ordered.
Danny didn't argue. He just nodded as they both headed out. On their way to the elavator, they passed Vivian. Danny stopped in his tracks as Samantha got the elevator. "Vivian...An officer Kline with courthouse security just called. He said that Kathryn was assaulted in her office..."
"Oh my god...Danny that is horrible."
"We are on our way to St. Vincents. Can you call him back or contact one of your NYPD sources and get some information on what happened?"
"Of course," she replied as Danny backed away and hopped on the elevator.
Danny and Samantha arrived at the St. Vincent's ER in record time. Just as they walked up to the information desk, Samantha noticed a gurney being wheeled in from the ambulance bay. "Danny, there she is."
Danny walked quickly over to the gurney as they were wheeling her to an exam room. As he approached Kathyrn and they made eye contact, she started to cry. "Danny..."
"Hey, baby," he said as he took her hand. He looked at her deeply bruised and bloodied face and neck, and tried not show his anger as he spoke to her. "What happened?"
"I'm not sure...I can't remember..."
The nurse interrupted, "Sir, you'll have to wait outside."
"No...I need him to stay. Please...I want him to stay. He's my husband."
Danny looked at the nurse and pleaded, "Can I just stay? I'll stay out of your way, I promise."
The nurse finally relented and then addressed Kathryn, "Sweetheart...let's get a gown on you."
The doctor then approached her. "Kathryn? I'm Dr. Garrett. It looks like you took quite a few punches. Can you follow this light?" she asked as she shined a light in Kathryn's eyes. Kathryn did as she was told. Then the doctor started to feel around her face and neck. "Possible mandular fracture...broken nose...let's call for a Plastics consult and order a face x-ray," the doctor ordered. "Do you feel any numbness...anything than might result from a neck injury?"
"No," Kathryn said as Danny helped the nurse put the gown on her and remove the remains of her blouse.
"How about your ribs...any soreness?" the doctor asked as she pressed Kathryn's stomach.
"Yes..." Kathryn winced in pain and started to cry again. She squeezed Danny's hand and shook with tears.
"Add a full panel on the x-rays."
"Is she going to be OK?" Danny asked the doctor.
"I think she'll be fine. We just need to take some x-rays to be sure, but she probably has a couple of cracked ribs. A plastic surgeon will come down and stitch her face and set her nose. She shouldn't have any scars. Let me just check a few more things."
The nurse then said, "Doctor, take a look this."
As the doctor talked to the nurse, Danny looked in Kathryn's eyes. "It's going to be OK. Can you tell me who did this?"
Before Kathryn could respond, the doctor asked, ""Kathryn, were you sexually assaulted?"
Danny looked at the doctor with shocked eyes, and then back to Kathryn. She returned his gaze as tears streamed down her face and said, "No...No...I wasn't...I..."
The doctor continued, "Did you lose consciousness?"
"Um...I think so...for a few minutes. One minute he was there, and the next Shelly was screaming for help. But I wasn't raped...I would know that. I was out of for a few minutes...I wasn't dead," she replied looking at Danny desparately.
"We notice some deep, inner thigh bruises. We'll need to do a rape kit."
"No...no...I wasn't raped. Don't make me...please," Kathryn pleaded.
The doctor looked at Danny for help, but the anger in him was boiling to a point he wasn't sure he could control. He finally calmed down enough to address Kathryn. "Listen...we have to know...OK? Look at me...it'll be OK. I'll be right here."
"Actually, sir...you should really wait outside during the exam," the nurse said.
"No, I need him here," Kathryn whispered as she clung to his hand. "Please..."
But Danny realized that the exam was extensive and she would be less emotional with him out of the room. So he said to her, "Listen, baby...I'm going to be right outside. I'm going to call your parents and check on Michael. I'll come right back. It's going to be OK."
Kathryn just nodded as he kissed her forehead.
When Danny walked out of the exam room, Samantha and Shelly were there. "How is she?" Shelly asked.
"They say she'll be OK...um...but they are still examining her. Samantha have you heard from Viv?"
"No."
"Shelly, what happened?" he asked desperately.
"I don't know. I walked into her office, and she was laying on the floor. There was blood all over her face and clothes. I thought...I thought she was dead..." Shelly started to cry.
Danny continued, "Do they have any idea who did this? Did she say anything?"
"The officer asked her after she regained consciousness, but she didn't know or couldn't remember. The officer said something about reviewing the security tapes from the hallway."
"Shelly, can you do me a favor? Can you call Kathryn's parents? I don't want them to hear this on the news, and I want to make sure Michael is OK."
"Of course. I'll do it right now," she said as she got up and walked away.
Samantha looked at Danny, "How are you doing?"
"I'm not sure," Danny said as his voice cracked. "Um...they...are doing rape kit right now."
"Oh my god."
"She doesn't remember it happening. Samantha...you have to call Viv for me....have her track down those security tapes. I have to find out who did this."
"Danny...let the police handle it."
"Like they handled the security at the courthouse?"
"You have to stay calm for Kathryn. She needs you."
"I knew she should have quit that job..."
Samantha just looked at him with concern as he mentally second-guessed himself.
Finally, the doctor stepped out of the exam room. Danny and Samantha stood up. "Mr. Taylor...um...I'd like to update you on your wife's condition," she said as she looked at Samantha.
"I'll go..." Samantha said.
"No..it's OK. Stay, Samantha. Go ahead, doctor."
"First, I need to ask you a personal question. We think Kathryn is still in shock. She had a hard time remembering details like what day it is. So I need to ask you. Have you had sexual intercourse with her in the last twenty-four hours?"
Danny nodded slightly uncomfortable. "Um...this morning."
"Did you use a condom?"
"No," he answered.
"OK...that would account for what we collected and the evidence of recent penetration. We didn't find any vaginal tearing, or any evidence of forcible intercourse. But we are thinking that the assailant may have attempted something. It looks like he tried to force her legs a part. Maybe he was interrupted before he could go any further. The techs are completing the x-rays now. Plastics is also in there. They'll be finished in a few minutes and then you can see her. She's been asking for you."
After the doctor walked away, Samantha took Danny's hand. "She's going to be OK."
"Yeah...I hope so," he whispered.
A few minutes later, NYPD detective Henry Davis approached them. "Hey, Danny...Samantha. I...uh...we are giving this the highest priority. Is Kathryn ready to talk yet?"
"The doctors are still working on her," Danny replied. "Have you looked at the security tapes yet?"
"I have three guys reviewing them right now, Danny. I was hoping Kathryn could shed some light on who we should focus on."
"She hasn't said anything...I don't think she knows or remembers. What I want to know is how the hell someone can get in her office, beat the hell out of her and get out without anyone seeing or hearing anything. Henry, that doesn't seem possible. What are you guys doing down there?" Danny said getting more and more agitated.
Samantha took hold of Danny's arm. "I'm sure they are doing everything they can."
"We are...absolutely. Look, we work with Kathryn all the time. She's like one of our own. We'll get this guy."
Danny nodded still annoyed.
"Listen, is there anyone you can think of? We are already looking at recent parollees, recent and old cases. Can you think of any one in her personal life...an old boyfriend, maybe."
"I don't think..., " Danny hesitated and shook his head. "She was dating someone before we got back together. His name is Evan Wyatt. He works for her father. He was pretty pissed when he found out we got back together. He's a jerk...but I don't think he is capable of hurting her like that."
Henry nodded, "We'll check it out."
The doctor finally came out and told them Kathryn was ready to see them. When Danny walked in with Henry, he saw that she looked a little better. She had small stitches on her swollen face, and her eyes were almost black. Danny took her hand and said, "Henry has some questions for you."
Kathryn nodded and said, "I don't remember very much."
"It's OK. We'll just walk through it step by step, and see what you do remember. You know the drill, Kathryn," stated Henry. "Was he in the office or did you let him in the office?"
"Um...I was coming back from the morning ADA meeting. I walked in my office, and left the door open. I knew something was wrong when I heard the door close behind me. He must have been in the office waiting. Um...as soon as I turned around, he came at me and grabbed my neck. He pulled me close to him, and told me he would break my neck if I screamed. I should have screamed right then. I don't know what I was thinking. I don't think he had a weapon."
"Don't do that. Don't second guess yourself," Henry said.
"You're doing good, baby. Keep going," added Danny as he squeezed her hand.
"Did you recognize him?" asked Henry.
"No...um...He seemed familiar, but I didn't recognize him."
"What did he look like?"
"5'9...maybe...he was about my height in heels. Light features...he was almost bald. Um...he was strong...muscular. After he grabbed me, he turned me around and pushed me face first onto the desk. He pinned me with his body...I couldn't move...that's how strong he was. He started to whisper in my ear, 'Don't make a sound.' 'I'm going to make you pay.' But he never said what I did. He never said why he was so angry with me."
"When did you lose consciousness?" asked Henry.
"I was groggy and bleeding pretty badly from my nose after he pushed me onto the desk. But, then he pulled me up my hair. He kept saying things in my ear. He called me a whore...other names. I did the only thing I could think of...I...uh...I tried to stamp my heel into his foot. I don't think I really hurt him, but I pissed him off more because he pushed me across the room. When I turned to steady myself, he punched me. That's when I went down. He got on top of me, and started hitting me over and over. I felt his knees digging into my ribs. I could't breathe. He was so angry. The look in his eyes...I was crying really hard...I think he was afraid someone would hear. He must of knocked me out somehow...The last thing I remember is seeing that look in his eyes....and then darkness."
"OK, Kathryn. You did great. I'm going to check in with my guys reviewing the security tapes...see if we can get a picture for you to look at. Get some rest," Henry finished with a concerned tone.
"Thanks," Danny said.
Henry just nodded and left the room.
After the detective walked out, Shelly poked her head in. "Do you mind if I step in for a second?"
"No, come in."
"How are you feeling, Kat?" Shelly addressed Kathryn.
"Hanging in there, I guess."
"I called your parents. You mother is on her way. I don't think I could have kept her away with a sledgehammer. Your dad is staying with Michael, and he is fine," she said as she glanced at Danny.
"Thanks for calling them," he said.
"I just wanted to see you, Kat. I'll let you get some rest," she stated. "Call me if you need anything...either of you."
"Thanks, Shel," Kathryn whispered.
After Shelly left the room, Danny turned back to Kathryn and lightly brushed a strand of hair our of her face. "You need to get some rest."
"Will you stay here with me?"
"I'm not going anywhere," he replied as he pulled up a chair.
She closed her eyes and slowly fell asleep. As Danny watched her, he couldn't help but wonder why this happened. Kathryn was the last person who should have to experience this. He hated to see the pain in her eyes and bruises on her face. And even though he was thankful she wasn't raped, he knew that experiencing that kind of violence would still change her forever. He blamed himself for not being able to protect her. His instinct was to go to the police station and find out who did this. But, she needed him here. He never felt so helpless before in his life.
"That's what you get for sweet-talking him into to completing your paperwork," replied Danny.
"Shut up, Danny...I did not. He volunteered."
Danny smirked, "I bet he volunteered."
"What does that mean?"
"Relax. I'm just kidding," Danny said but actually he knew that Martin had a crush on Samantha. He could see it every time Martin looked at her. But Danny knew that Samantha was in love with Jack. He did his best to stay out of the complicated dynamic in the office. He had enough to worry about in his own life, and he felt it was none of his business. He liked keeping his live private, so he didn't ask a lot of questions of his co-workers. Of course, that got hard after Kathryn and Michael came into his life. He couldn't help but want to share his happiness. And they were all so happy for him.
"This is going to take us forever," exclaimed Samantha.
"Well we better work faster. I've got to get out of here by 5."
"Big plans?"
"We have an interview at a preschool. They are actually interviewing us to see if they will accept Michael. It's the craziest thing I've ever heard. They are running a background check on us and everything. They are almost as thorough as we are. Pre-schools in Manhattan are big business, I guess."
"I've heard that. They are competitive and expensive," remarked Samantha.
"Yes, they are. Kathryn's parents actually set up an education trust fund for Michael when he was born. They want us to use it for this. I put up a fight at first, but then I thought who am I to take this away from him or Kathryn? I want him to have to best of everything, and if that means sucking it up and getting help...then so be it."
"I'm very impressed, Danny. You are actually like a real grown-up."
"I am finally, aren't I?," he replied pensively with a silly smile.
Samantha laughed as she went back to her paperwork. A few minutes later, Danny cell phone rang interrupting their work flow.
"Taylor," he answered.
"Oh my god, Danny...it's Shelly," a frantic voice called out on the other end. Danny recognized the voice of Shelly Simmons, Kathryn's paralegal and best friend from the DA's office. "Something happened...Kathryn...she...Oh my god...," she said crying hysterically.
"Shelly...Shelly...calm down. What happened? Where's Kathryn?" Danny asked frantically as Samantha looked on with concern.
A male voice then came on the line, "Mr. Taylor? Are you Kathryn's husband?"
"Yes...yes...who the hell is this?"
"This is Officer Ray Kline...I'm with the security detail here at the courthouse. Mr. Taylor, your wife...she was assaulted in her office this afternoon."
"What? How is she? Where is she?"
"She's going to be fine. They are loading her into the ambulance right now. Ms. Simmons is riding with her. She's regained consciousness. They are taking her to St.Vincent's..."
Danny didn't wait for more information. He shut his phone and got up to leave. Samantha got up too and said, "Wait...Danny...what happened?"
"It's Kathryn...she's hurt...I've got to get to her."
"OK...just stay calm. I'm going to drive you," Samantha ordered.
Danny didn't argue. He just nodded as they both headed out. On their way to the elavator, they passed Vivian. Danny stopped in his tracks as Samantha got the elevator. "Vivian...An officer Kline with courthouse security just called. He said that Kathryn was assaulted in her office..."
"Oh my god...Danny that is horrible."
"We are on our way to St. Vincents. Can you call him back or contact one of your NYPD sources and get some information on what happened?"
"Of course," she replied as Danny backed away and hopped on the elevator.
Danny and Samantha arrived at the St. Vincent's ER in record time. Just as they walked up to the information desk, Samantha noticed a gurney being wheeled in from the ambulance bay. "Danny, there she is."
Danny walked quickly over to the gurney as they were wheeling her to an exam room. As he approached Kathyrn and they made eye contact, she started to cry. "Danny..."
"Hey, baby," he said as he took her hand. He looked at her deeply bruised and bloodied face and neck, and tried not show his anger as he spoke to her. "What happened?"
"I'm not sure...I can't remember..."
The nurse interrupted, "Sir, you'll have to wait outside."
"No...I need him to stay. Please...I want him to stay. He's my husband."
Danny looked at the nurse and pleaded, "Can I just stay? I'll stay out of your way, I promise."
The nurse finally relented and then addressed Kathryn, "Sweetheart...let's get a gown on you."
The doctor then approached her. "Kathryn? I'm Dr. Garrett. It looks like you took quite a few punches. Can you follow this light?" she asked as she shined a light in Kathryn's eyes. Kathryn did as she was told. Then the doctor started to feel around her face and neck. "Possible mandular fracture...broken nose...let's call for a Plastics consult and order a face x-ray," the doctor ordered. "Do you feel any numbness...anything than might result from a neck injury?"
"No," Kathryn said as Danny helped the nurse put the gown on her and remove the remains of her blouse.
"How about your ribs...any soreness?" the doctor asked as she pressed Kathryn's stomach.
"Yes..." Kathryn winced in pain and started to cry again. She squeezed Danny's hand and shook with tears.
"Add a full panel on the x-rays."
"Is she going to be OK?" Danny asked the doctor.
"I think she'll be fine. We just need to take some x-rays to be sure, but she probably has a couple of cracked ribs. A plastic surgeon will come down and stitch her face and set her nose. She shouldn't have any scars. Let me just check a few more things."
The nurse then said, "Doctor, take a look this."
As the doctor talked to the nurse, Danny looked in Kathryn's eyes. "It's going to be OK. Can you tell me who did this?"
Before Kathryn could respond, the doctor asked, ""Kathryn, were you sexually assaulted?"
Danny looked at the doctor with shocked eyes, and then back to Kathryn. She returned his gaze as tears streamed down her face and said, "No...No...I wasn't...I..."
The doctor continued, "Did you lose consciousness?"
"Um...I think so...for a few minutes. One minute he was there, and the next Shelly was screaming for help. But I wasn't raped...I would know that. I was out of for a few minutes...I wasn't dead," she replied looking at Danny desparately.
"We notice some deep, inner thigh bruises. We'll need to do a rape kit."
"No...no...I wasn't raped. Don't make me...please," Kathryn pleaded.
The doctor looked at Danny for help, but the anger in him was boiling to a point he wasn't sure he could control. He finally calmed down enough to address Kathryn. "Listen...we have to know...OK? Look at me...it'll be OK. I'll be right here."
"Actually, sir...you should really wait outside during the exam," the nurse said.
"No, I need him here," Kathryn whispered as she clung to his hand. "Please..."
But Danny realized that the exam was extensive and she would be less emotional with him out of the room. So he said to her, "Listen, baby...I'm going to be right outside. I'm going to call your parents and check on Michael. I'll come right back. It's going to be OK."
Kathryn just nodded as he kissed her forehead.
When Danny walked out of the exam room, Samantha and Shelly were there. "How is she?" Shelly asked.
"They say she'll be OK...um...but they are still examining her. Samantha have you heard from Viv?"
"No."
"Shelly, what happened?" he asked desperately.
"I don't know. I walked into her office, and she was laying on the floor. There was blood all over her face and clothes. I thought...I thought she was dead..." Shelly started to cry.
Danny continued, "Do they have any idea who did this? Did she say anything?"
"The officer asked her after she regained consciousness, but she didn't know or couldn't remember. The officer said something about reviewing the security tapes from the hallway."
"Shelly, can you do me a favor? Can you call Kathryn's parents? I don't want them to hear this on the news, and I want to make sure Michael is OK."
"Of course. I'll do it right now," she said as she got up and walked away.
Samantha looked at Danny, "How are you doing?"
"I'm not sure," Danny said as his voice cracked. "Um...they...are doing rape kit right now."
"Oh my god."
"She doesn't remember it happening. Samantha...you have to call Viv for me....have her track down those security tapes. I have to find out who did this."
"Danny...let the police handle it."
"Like they handled the security at the courthouse?"
"You have to stay calm for Kathryn. She needs you."
"I knew she should have quit that job..."
Samantha just looked at him with concern as he mentally second-guessed himself.
Finally, the doctor stepped out of the exam room. Danny and Samantha stood up. "Mr. Taylor...um...I'd like to update you on your wife's condition," she said as she looked at Samantha.
"I'll go..." Samantha said.
"No..it's OK. Stay, Samantha. Go ahead, doctor."
"First, I need to ask you a personal question. We think Kathryn is still in shock. She had a hard time remembering details like what day it is. So I need to ask you. Have you had sexual intercourse with her in the last twenty-four hours?"
Danny nodded slightly uncomfortable. "Um...this morning."
"Did you use a condom?"
"No," he answered.
"OK...that would account for what we collected and the evidence of recent penetration. We didn't find any vaginal tearing, or any evidence of forcible intercourse. But we are thinking that the assailant may have attempted something. It looks like he tried to force her legs a part. Maybe he was interrupted before he could go any further. The techs are completing the x-rays now. Plastics is also in there. They'll be finished in a few minutes and then you can see her. She's been asking for you."
After the doctor walked away, Samantha took Danny's hand. "She's going to be OK."
"Yeah...I hope so," he whispered.
A few minutes later, NYPD detective Henry Davis approached them. "Hey, Danny...Samantha. I...uh...we are giving this the highest priority. Is Kathryn ready to talk yet?"
"The doctors are still working on her," Danny replied. "Have you looked at the security tapes yet?"
"I have three guys reviewing them right now, Danny. I was hoping Kathryn could shed some light on who we should focus on."
"She hasn't said anything...I don't think she knows or remembers. What I want to know is how the hell someone can get in her office, beat the hell out of her and get out without anyone seeing or hearing anything. Henry, that doesn't seem possible. What are you guys doing down there?" Danny said getting more and more agitated.
Samantha took hold of Danny's arm. "I'm sure they are doing everything they can."
"We are...absolutely. Look, we work with Kathryn all the time. She's like one of our own. We'll get this guy."
Danny nodded still annoyed.
"Listen, is there anyone you can think of? We are already looking at recent parollees, recent and old cases. Can you think of any one in her personal life...an old boyfriend, maybe."
"I don't think..., " Danny hesitated and shook his head. "She was dating someone before we got back together. His name is Evan Wyatt. He works for her father. He was pretty pissed when he found out we got back together. He's a jerk...but I don't think he is capable of hurting her like that."
Henry nodded, "We'll check it out."
The doctor finally came out and told them Kathryn was ready to see them. When Danny walked in with Henry, he saw that she looked a little better. She had small stitches on her swollen face, and her eyes were almost black. Danny took her hand and said, "Henry has some questions for you."
Kathryn nodded and said, "I don't remember very much."
"It's OK. We'll just walk through it step by step, and see what you do remember. You know the drill, Kathryn," stated Henry. "Was he in the office or did you let him in the office?"
"Um...I was coming back from the morning ADA meeting. I walked in my office, and left the door open. I knew something was wrong when I heard the door close behind me. He must have been in the office waiting. Um...as soon as I turned around, he came at me and grabbed my neck. He pulled me close to him, and told me he would break my neck if I screamed. I should have screamed right then. I don't know what I was thinking. I don't think he had a weapon."
"Don't do that. Don't second guess yourself," Henry said.
"You're doing good, baby. Keep going," added Danny as he squeezed her hand.
"Did you recognize him?" asked Henry.
"No...um...He seemed familiar, but I didn't recognize him."
"What did he look like?"
"5'9...maybe...he was about my height in heels. Light features...he was almost bald. Um...he was strong...muscular. After he grabbed me, he turned me around and pushed me face first onto the desk. He pinned me with his body...I couldn't move...that's how strong he was. He started to whisper in my ear, 'Don't make a sound.' 'I'm going to make you pay.' But he never said what I did. He never said why he was so angry with me."
"When did you lose consciousness?" asked Henry.
"I was groggy and bleeding pretty badly from my nose after he pushed me onto the desk. But, then he pulled me up my hair. He kept saying things in my ear. He called me a whore...other names. I did the only thing I could think of...I...uh...I tried to stamp my heel into his foot. I don't think I really hurt him, but I pissed him off more because he pushed me across the room. When I turned to steady myself, he punched me. That's when I went down. He got on top of me, and started hitting me over and over. I felt his knees digging into my ribs. I could't breathe. He was so angry. The look in his eyes...I was crying really hard...I think he was afraid someone would hear. He must of knocked me out somehow...The last thing I remember is seeing that look in his eyes....and then darkness."
"OK, Kathryn. You did great. I'm going to check in with my guys reviewing the security tapes...see if we can get a picture for you to look at. Get some rest," Henry finished with a concerned tone.
"Thanks," Danny said.
Henry just nodded and left the room.
After the detective walked out, Shelly poked her head in. "Do you mind if I step in for a second?"
"No, come in."
"How are you feeling, Kat?" Shelly addressed Kathryn.
"Hanging in there, I guess."
"I called your parents. You mother is on her way. I don't think I could have kept her away with a sledgehammer. Your dad is staying with Michael, and he is fine," she said as she glanced at Danny.
"Thanks for calling them," he said.
"I just wanted to see you, Kat. I'll let you get some rest," she stated. "Call me if you need anything...either of you."
"Thanks, Shel," Kathryn whispered.
After Shelly left the room, Danny turned back to Kathryn and lightly brushed a strand of hair our of her face. "You need to get some rest."
"Will you stay here with me?"
"I'm not going anywhere," he replied as he pulled up a chair.
She closed her eyes and slowly fell asleep. As Danny watched her, he couldn't help but wonder why this happened. Kathryn was the last person who should have to experience this. He hated to see the pain in her eyes and bruises on her face. And even though he was thankful she wasn't raped, he knew that experiencing that kind of violence would still change her forever. He blamed himself for not being able to protect her. His instinct was to go to the police station and find out who did this. But, she needed him here. He never felt so helpless before in his life.