Chapter 7
Arriving at the hospital Mabel led them in allowing them to share a cubicle. She started with Timmy as she had briefly examined Zona before the ambulance left.
"Okay Timmy we'll need to do a few scans" Mabel ordered, wanting at least head and chest but ordering full body CT and x-ray series to check for any new rib fractures. As suspected, there were multiple, fresh fractures. Any other child would be crying in pain, but not Timmy or Zona they had learnt from a young age crying only got you beaten more. Luckily the fractures hadn't punctured his lungs.
Next was a set of body measurements finding he was shorter than average and underweight. Lastly with the police forensics expert was the photographs documenting every bruise, every mark. With Timmy going to CT to check for any internal bleeding, Daniel and an intern escorting him, Mabel began doing the process over again, this time with Zona.
Settling both children with their foster parents back in the double bay Mabel went to her office to process the scan results. From what she could see as they went through the scanners there was nothing acute. Getting the preliminary results Mabel walked to the Ped's ward on the way grabbing 2 patient trays of food. Both of her patients were severely underweight and malnourished, and a plate of hot food seemed a good way of starting.
Entering the room, she saw both children's eyes light up, she placed the trays in front of them each with a glass of milk. She doubted they had had much calcium and wanted to start them off right.
"What is it?" Zona asked,
"Cheese and tomato omelet and chips, its good I promise" Mabel replied, Timmy sniffed it using the fork to take a bite of a chip.
"Is it hot?" Zona asked watching her brother closely, he nodded. Zona used her fingers to pick up a chip copying Timmy by sniffing it before licking it. Not tasting much, Zona bit into it taking the smallest amount of chip possible. Taking a moment to notice the flavor before stuffing the whole chip into her mouth, then going for the next one putting that in quick. She went for a third when Barbara placed a gentle hand over Zona's. Her heart clenched at the look of fear in Zona's eyes, as she worried about being hit or the food taken away.
"Chew first" Barbara instructed, "it's not going anywhere" she promised. It worked as Zona began eating slower. She managed half the plate, Timmy ¾'s of his. Once both had finished Mabel presented a pudding cup watching as both children found a second wind.
"Can I speak to you both outside?" Mabel asked, Zona grabbed Barbara's hand refusing to let her go.
"Sweetie we will be back in a minute" Barbara reassured. Zona let go watching as both adults left the room, as soon as the door closed, she was out of her own bed and in Timmy's. he shuffled over to let her get in, patting the side by his non broken ribs. They both felt safer with the other close by.
Outside Mabel asked one of the nurses to keep a close eye on the kids, while she took the foster parents into a private room. The kids had gone missing once on their watch, it wouldn't happen again. In the private room she sat down inviting the foster parents to do the same, this was going to be a tough conversation.
"Okay, let's start with Timmy. He is below average weight for his age and below average height. His records indicate at his last doctor's appointment 5 years ago he was average. He has 2 contusions to his head and bruising, but that's superficial, he has 3 broken ribs currently but calcification on the bones that indicates previous fractures. He also has an old fracture to his wrist. We found 23 bruises and 10 wounds on examination, we have cleaned and dressed the wounds. Timmy's teeth are in poor condition and his bloods indicate he is malnourished." Mabel paused, both Daniel and Barbara steeled themselves, knowing it was going to get worse.
"Zona, she is severely underweight, the average 5-year-old weighs 18kg, Zona weighs 13kg, she is a lot shorter for her age too. She is malnourished, and high risk for diseases like scurvy, luckily, we caught it early enough. We have no records of her being vaccinated or seeing a doctor since she was born. We have bruises to her face and head, luckily no fractures, we have the lacerated spleen that we operated on and the fracture to her arm which we pinned and plated. She has healed fractures to her ribs, her left foot and 3 fingers. In total we counted 45 bruises, 12 wounds and one bite mark, made by an adult. There were no physical signs of sexual abuse. Her teeth are also in poor condition but unlike Timmy these are her baby teeth." Mabel paused to allow them to take that it, it was a lot especially as they were now trusted with their care.
"I've spoken to one of my colleagues, who is a child trauma counsellor, as both part of the police investigation but also as a support to yourselves and the children."
"What can we do?" Barbara asked, her voice trembling, she knew those kids had been through hell but hearing about their injuries made her feel sick. She was a nurse medically trained but was now doubting her ability to look after both kids. She could tell Daniel was feeling just as stressed by the grip he had on the chair.
"Firstly, I'd like to keep them here for a few days make sure their injuries heal, as they are both so malnourished, I'm expecting it to be slower than average. Also, I'd like to make sure they are putting on weight so will speak to one of my dietitian friends to consult. I'd like to get their vaccinations on track too and get a dentist it to look over their teeth. Lastly, I'd like to schedule the counsellor to come while they are here it might help before they go home to iron out how they are feeling" Mabel offered,
"Done, we need a few days to prepare their bedrooms" Daniel replied, his mind spinning. What rooms would they like?
Barbara patted his knee; she knew her ultra-prepared husband would already be writing job lists.
"I'm going to sit with our kids, you should thank your men" she ordered, he might be the Captain, but at home she was in charge. Daniel nodded. He left the Peds ward, driving to base where his men were training.
"Attention" the drill Sergeant yelled as all 200 men stood at attention.
"Thank you," Daniel said trying to steady himself, so he didn't seem weak in front of his men,
"The 2 children reported missing this morning were safely recovered. Their father is in police custody, I'd like to praise Corporal Evans and Stevens for their restraint." They'd done better than he would have. Daniel was sure if he was first on scene the 2 children would now be orphans. "Both children are requiring extensive medical care, my wife and I have agreed to foster them. We can't thank you enough for your help" Daniel said, "To express my thanks I've rearranged our night training, instead your leave starts as of 1200 tomorrow" he said, "Dismissed"
In true his mind wasn't on the training or his job, this way he'd have a week before he was expected to do much. His men broke up excitedly, their leave being extended by an extra 18 hours was exciting.
"Sir," Gunnery Sergeant Thomas came over
"Thomas" Daniel greeted
"I have a daughter the same age as the little girl, we have some clothes we were going to give to good will, there's nothing wrong with them. Would you like them?" he asked, Daniel nodded. From what he had seen of their home there wasn't a lot that could be salvaged,
"Sir, my boy Nick has just grown out of his clothes too, and his bike, we have a new one for his birthday tomorrow, his sister has a few toys too" Lieutenant Simon Jones added a few more men were standing behind him offering their support.
"Thank you, Simon I need to go back to the hospital, can I leave you to organize it?" Daniel begged, Simon nodded
"Yes Sir" he said, Daniel passed him his house keys walking off. Jones waited until he had driven off before assembling the men.
"Listen up" he called, "Robbins is fostering those kids we found. They have nothing, they've never had hot food or chocolate before, they've been beaten nearly to death," he revealed having sat with the couple and helped to co-ordinate the search. "So, I'm asking for volunteers to help ready his house, those kids deserve proper rooms" he called. "If you'd like to volunteer either time or items, please see me after" he offered. "Dismissed."
He was surprised as nobody moved, it was Gunnery Sergeant Thomas who spoke looking over his men.
"I speak for everyone Sir, we volunteer" Thomas said, he'd been one of the men first on scene and had seen the kids for himself, their rags for clothes and the fact nearly every inch of skin was bruised. Jones gave a nod, feeling emotional at just how dedicated his men were.
"Very well, please see your seniors regarding the type of help you can offer, and we will make a plan and contact you, dismissed" Jones ordered, leaving with Thomas it was time for recon to the Robbins house before they planned their attack. They were marines, logistics and muscle were their strengths.
Back at the hospital Barbara had returned and after panicking for a few seconds at Zona's empty bed she had relaxed seeing the 2 children cuddled together both fast asleep. Walking over she had tucked Zona under the covers placing a kiss to their foreheads. Sitting on the visitor's seat reading a magazine she was aware of blue eyes staring at her
"Hello Zona, did you have a nice sleep?" she asked folding the magazine up. The little girl said nothing, having gone shy suddenly, Barbara didn't let that deter her. "Are you thirsty we have juice, or hungry?" She asked, Zona bit her lip, she really was both hungry and thirsty, but didn't want to make her mad like daddy got if she asked for anything. Barbara could see the desperate need on her face and the way she held her back. "Have you tried apple juice before it's really good?" she poured 2 glasses placing a pink straw in each. She sipped first demonstrating how to use the straw. Zona leant forwards capturing the straw taking a nervous sip.
"It tastes funny" she whispered, "Like fruit"
Barbara nodded, "You know it goes really well with doughnuts, have you ever had one before?" she asked, Zona shook her head no, Barbara passed one over. "It has got chocolate inside" she told her, Zona picked up the doughnut taking a small bite, her face lighting up at the flavor. She ate a little more waiting until she thought Barbara was distracted before tucking the rest under the cover. Timmy was going to love this when he woke. Barbara noticed her hiding half of the doughnut her heart breaking, she knew they'd have food anxiety, having been starved for most of their lives, and the only thing they could do was to continually reassure them that they'd never starve again.
Daniel returned as Timmy woke, while Barbara was hugging Daniel, Zona passed Timmy the half doughnut, whispering
"It's really good" she urged, Timmy turned away from the adults scared if they saw it would be taken away or beaten, with his back facing them he crammed it into his mouth. Zona was right it was really tasty, much better than sandwiches.
"I brought presents" Daniel offered, his hands behind his back, Zona exchanged a confused look with Timmy, only good kids got presents they never had presents before. He handed over the two boxes, both kids taking them gingerly as if he'd just been handed a bomb. "Well open them" Daniel ordered, he'd been driving over from based and had passed a Walmart and just had to stop and buy a few new items.
Timmy was the brave volunteer to go first, timidly nudging the top if his box open, his mouth dropping as he took in the contents.
"It's good Zona" he said reassuringly prompting the small girl to open her own box.
"Woah" she muttered, pulling out a pink doggie teddy. Timmy had a blue dragon, "It's so soft and it smells good" she said bringing it to her face. "What are these?" she asked curiously pulling out a pair of pajamas, they were pink and had purple horses decorating it.
"Pajama's, you wear them to go to bed in" Barbara explained, Zona looked even more confused. They always wore their warmest clothes to bed as it made them warmer, this was a thin t-shirt and trouser set. They were going to freeze. "What's wrong Zona, we can take them back if you don't like them" Barbara offered. Zona's eyes widened in fear, not sure what to do. She had never had a present before and didn't want them to think she was ungrateful, but she knew it would be really unpleasant sleeping against the cold floor in this. Desperately she looked at Timmy for help relying on her older brother, but he was silently just staring at his box. Not sure what to do with his robot jammies.
"Cold" she whispered,
"Daniel, get her a blanket" Barbara ordered, he did picking up the duvet from her bed placing it on top of her. Zona now appeared more confused. "You won't make us mad, we won't hurt you" Barbara promised,
"She is worried because we normally sleep in our jumpers and coats because daddy doesn't put the heating on and it gets really cold, especially at night" Timmy piped up, "Why are you doing this? We can't pay you back, we have nothing, we are nothing" he said confused. Barbara and Daniel felt their hearts break again, Barbara spoke first,
"Well, when we get home, we have heating and a really comfy bed to sleep in with a really thick blanket so you don't need thick pajama's but if you want to wear extra layers you can." She explained to Zona. "And Timmy we are doing this because we want to, this is normal, this is what your daddy should have done from the start. We don't want anything in return other than for you to be happy" She explained. "And if you are ever cold or scared them you come and tell us, and we will make it better" she promised. Timmy frowned still confused.
"Can I wear it now?" Zona asked excitedly, Barbara nodded,
"You need me to help you dress?" she asked, Zona nodded shyly. With all her bruises and her bulky cast there was no way she was going to be able to do it alone, normally Timmy helped but he was injured too. Barbara held her hand out escorting her to the toilet, "Maybe we can do a shower too" she suggested, there was only the cast to not get wet, the dressings were due a change anyway. The little girl looked unsure as Barbara gathered the supplies but allowed her to tape up her arm and undress her. Barbara started the shower making sure the water was warm.
"Try it" she encouraged. Zona held her good hand out,
"It's warm" she cried gleefully, "I never had warm water before" she allowed Barbara to guide her underneath Barbara skilfully washing, conditioning her hair getting all the dried blood out, then carefully washed her body minding the cuts and bruises, after drying her and redressing the wounds Barbara helped her put her new pajama's on running her hands through Zona's hair Barbara knew it needed cutting.
"Can I cut you hair?" she asked, Zona's eyes opened in fear, cutting was bad. "It won't hurt I promise" Barbara said, Zona nodded very slightly, Barbara hadn't lied yet. Barbara got the scissors cutting off some the scraggly ends giving her a lovely shoulder length cut. "What do you think?" she asked
"It looks pretty" Zona gushed, truthfully, she was loving the positive attention of an adult, the only other adult that was nice was her teacher, but her attention was split between 35 other students, and she thought Zona was a troublemaker so was only nice sometimes.
"Right let's get you back before your brother hunts us down" Barbara joked. Zona held her arms up silently asking to be carried, Barbara grinned lifting the girl up cradling her closely. Back in their room they found Daniel reading a book to Timmy. Zona wiggled out of Barbara's arms joining Timmy in bed.
"Wow Zona" Timmy said amazed his sister while still bruised looked good,
"Timmy the water was warm," she told him, "and it made bubbles and smelt good"
"Would you like a shower Timmy, we can put your new Pyjama's on" Barbara offered, "And I can cut your hair too"
Timmy hesitated he did really want to but worried about leaving Zona with Daniel. "I'll look after her son," Daniel promised. Timmy followed Barbara to the bathroom, leaving Daniel with Zona. Sensing she was nervous he passed her the Teddy. She took it holding it close,
"You have to name it when you can" Daniel suggested.
"Doggie" Zona said
"That's a great name" Daniel praised, not wanting the little girl to fear him. "I brought you a book too, do you want me to read it to you?" he asked. Zona nodded, she had only had story time at school before and had never had anyone telling just her a story. "Once upon a time in a land far away" he began. It didn't take long for Timmy and Barbara to join them listening to the end of the story.
"When I'm older I wanna find a princess" Timmy said smiling
"Me too" Zona joined in,
"Na uh you're a girl you have to marry a prince," he said, Zona frowned,
"Boys are yucky, I want to marry a princess" she insisted, Barbara sensing a squabble interrupted.
"You can both marry whoever you want, as long as they are nice to you" she instructed settling both siblings.
"My princess is going to be beautiful and kind and really smart" Zona said. Daniel and Barbara exchanged a look, all girls went through the boys are icky stage, right? Barbara shrugged; it didn't matter who her children married as long as they were happy.
"Hey everyone, sorry to disturb the party but I brought dinner, tonight's special is sausage, mash and peas" the nurse said carrying 4 plates, "We brought extra for your parents too" she offered, nobody correcting her.
"Is it hot?" Zona asked excitedly,
"It sure is hun" the nurse replied, she placed the tray down, one in front of all of them.
Barbara leant forwards, "Zona, can I cut your sausage up, it will make it easier" she offered, knowing it would be impossible to do with a bandage on one hand and a cast on the other. Zona hesitated she was about to grab the food with her fingers and chew but on seeing everyone else using the things next to the plate she stopped and nodded. Barbara deftly cut the sausage into bite size portions, then demonstrated how to use the fork to pick up the bits. Zona copied carefully finding it easy with the sausage and the mash but resorting to her fingers for the peas. Barbara watched as nearly half the peas went down her cast, making a note to get it changed sooner rather than later.
Timmy did much better, managing nearly everything with the cutlery. Both children ate over half of their plates, Barbara and Daniel knew it would be a long road getting them to eat more, their stomachs shrunken from their malnutrition. After their plates were taken away Zona turned and whispered to Timmy,
"I don't know ask them" he replied much louder getting frustrated, Zona blushed, her eyes darting to the couple and back to Timmy begging him to ask them. He sighed, "Zona wants to know if you can read another story" he said,
"Of course," Daniel replied, "I love reading stories," he got up checking the pile of books on the table, "Now do you want me to read the tiger that came for tea or the tale of Peter Rabbit?" he asked,
"Rabbit" Zona whispered; Daniel nodded picking up the book walking over to the bed both siblings were still cuddled on both holding their stuffed teddies.
As he finished the book both children were fast asleep. "Should we" Daniel gestured to Zona and her bed next door, Barbara shrugged, it was important both children got use to sleeping alone, and at least here they could still see each other. Daniel carefully lifted the small girl as Barbara pulled the covers down, once he'd placed her inside, she pulled the covers back over her giving her a kiss to her forehead.
"I'll stay tonight, Zona is more familiar with me" Barbara offered, not stating that they were worried about how Zona and Timmy would react waking up to see a man, even if that was Daniel in the room.
"I love you" Daniel said kissing his wife on the lips, "You want anything from home"
With the list Barbara had given him he set off, only to arrive home to half his division in his house and the smell on paint.
"What is going on?" he asked bewildered, Jones stepped forwards,
"Operation bedroom Sir," he reported snapping to attention,
"Operation bedroom" Daniel repeated.
"Yes Sir, you said to organize it" Jones replied shrugging, Daniel stepped inside walking up the stairs. The largest spare room had been painted sky blue with sharks painted on the wall. The smaller room was a pale shade of pink. They looked like children's bedroom's from magazine.
"We have the curtains and sheets in the lounge with the bed frames ready to go when the paint dries, trust me Sir you won't recognize it tomorrow" he promised.
"Good work" Daniel said holding out his hand, trying to hold his emotions in, Jones nodded taking the handshake,
"Okay men, let's leave the Captain to sleep and the paint to dry, tell team 3 to meet at 0800" he shouted, as the 15 men in the house saluted and left. His house now empty Daniel took a walk around, the lounge had multiple piles, it looked like bedding, girls clothes, girls toys, boys clothes, boys toys and general like board games and books. In the kitchen he noticed some child friendly plates and cups, outside he could see a jungle gym and 2 bikes. His men had come through, his family had come through for him.
Things are looking up for Zona and Timmy,