Chapter 11: Strength
Olivia sighed. She felt strength coursing through her body. She'd never opened up that completely to anyone before, and she was glad Elliot had been there to help her. "El?" she said, breaking the silence that had once again surrounded them.
'Yeah?" he answered.
"I think we've got company," she told him as she pointed toward the door.
Elliot turned. Olivia was right. Fin was staring intently at them.
"What's up, Fin?" Olivia asked cautiously.
"Hope's back, and I think she's in trouble," he replied.
"Did she tell you what happened?" Elliot questioned.
Fin shook his head. "She's too upset," he answered. "Says she'll only talk to you two."
"It's OK, Fin," Olivia said, rising with Elliot behind her. "We'll take care of her."
Fin nodded. "Let me know if I can help," he told them.
"We will," they said in unison as they walked out.
They found Hope sobbing on the couch in the children's interview room. Olivia rushed in with Elliot in tow. "Honey, what happened?" she asked gently as she sat down.
"I got hurt," Hope replied through her tears.
"Was Detective Munch with you?" Elliot asked, placing a comforting hand on her shoulder.
She nodded. "He never left me," she answered.
"Then how were you hurt, Honey?" Olivia asked softly as she placed a hand on her other shoulder.
"You can tell us," Elliot encouraged.
"I was walking down the street with Detective Munch, and a couple of guys grabbed me. Detective Munch and I fought them, and his gun scared them off. He's chasing them now. He told me to run back here," she told Olivia.
"Did you see their faces?" Elliot questioned.
Hope shook her head. "I was too busy fighting to look," she replied, ashamed. Suddenly, her body was once again wracked with sobs. Olivia opened her arms to the young girl, letting her sob
into her shoulder.
"Don't cry, Hope," she soothed as she stroked her hair. "It's OK. You're safe now."
"Should we go back Munch up?" Elliot asked.
Olivia shook her head. "I heard Fin leave earlier," she answered. "I'm sure he's got it covered." She hoped with everything she had that she was right.
