CHAPTER TWO

When Munch, Olivia, and the terrified Rivky reached the freezing courtyard of the school, they saw Elliot and Fin waiting for them.

"Ricky, Olivia's going to take you to the doctor's now, but we want to go talk to your parents, okay?" said Elliot.

"No – no, please, don't tell," Rivky pleaded.

"We have to, honey, you're under eighteen," said Olivia.

"Don't tell my father about the rape, please? He can't know. He can't…I'd be no good anymore."

Munch tapped Olivia on the shoulder and gave a look that clearly said he would explain what that meant.

"Why don't you go and warm up in the car? I'll be there in just a second," said Olivia.

Elliot went and started the car, blasting the heat for Rivky, and then rejoined the group to hear Munch's explanation.

"Here's the thing…Rivky's family is Orthodox. In Jewish Orthodoxy they have a lot of very strict laws. I mean, you know about the kashrut already, but then there's dressing tzniusly and having to think about Chukas Hagoyim and then especially being shomer."

There was a long pause. Elliot spoke first.

"And for the goys here, that means…"

"Kashrut is eating kosher foods. Tznius is the way that they dress…especially the girls. They have to cover their knees, elbows, and collarbones. Chukas Hagoyim has to do with the way they deal with non-Jews, and shomer is the one that concerns me the most. See, to be shomer means that you don't touch, talk to, and even avoid looking at members of the opposite sex until marriage."

"And if she was raped…" Elliot began.

"Then she feels she broke that law," Munch finished for him. "I think I should talk to her parents. Fin?"

"I'm coming," said Fin.

"I'll talk to the principal and see about this teacher's meeting," said Elliot.

"And I'll take Rivky to the hospital," said Olivia. "See all of you later."

"Call me when she's done with her rape kit," said Elliot.

"I will."