The Mistakes
Chapter 12
Mike looked at pictures of Molly on his phone and was even more conflicted and confused. He knew what he should do. But he was scared. What if he lost her? What if she figured him out and didn't want anything to do with him? How did he handle sharing a child with Maddie? Could he put his heart on the line again? He was seeing all the worst case scenarios, and having trouble focusing on the good.
It didn't help that Hannah's birthday was approaching. Around her birthday; Mike always missed her in particular. He had never gotten confirmation of her death. With Christine and Katie, private investigators had found some documentation that listed Christine and Katie as deceased. Nothing was ever found with Hannah's name, but Mike could only assume she had died as well. It was just enough to give him hope though, and with every passing year; those hopes were dashed.
Mike had decided to call Maddie on Hannah's birthday in hopes that she would let him see Molly. The night before her birthday; he was at home watching a ballgame when the doorbell rang. Mike was surprised because not many people knew where he lived and those that did, always called before showing up. He stowed his beer bottle in the kitchen before going to the front door. An unfamiliar woman, wearing a business suit was standing on the other side, with a leather folder in her arms. Beside her was a familiar looking girl that Mike couldn't place.
"Yes?" Mike asked.
"Are you Admiral Michael Slattery? I'm Kate Brown, a case worker with Child Protective Services." The woman asked.
"I am." Mike answered.
"Admiral Slattery, this young lady is your daughter, Hannah. She's been through a lot, so don't…touch her." Ms. Brown said. Mike immediately looked towards Hannah, noticing the bruising, how dirty she looked and the terrified look in her eyes.
"How?" Mike asked.
"It's a long story." Ms. Brown answered. It was cold out and Mike remembered his manners.
"Come in." Mike said. He held the door open for Ms. Brown and Hannah, who was giving him a wide berth. "Hannah; how about I turn the remote over to you? Do you need anything to eat or drink? I think I have some soda and some cookies." Mike offered. She only shook her head in response. She didn't take the remote out of his hand but she did sit down on the couch. Mike sat the remote on the sofa table where she could reach it and led Ms. Brown into the dining room. "Would you like something to drink or eat?" Mike offered.
"No, thank you. So, as you can see; Hannah is very traumatized. The police raided a…I guess, a flop house and there were probably a dozen girls found, similar stories to Hannah. Lost family from the Red Flu. They were young and no one stepped forward because they were presumed deceased. We are still putting together the stories, but very obviously, Hannah has been very traumatized. She's been medically checked out and there are scars…everywhere and she did allude to sexual abuse. So far, no STD's or pregnancy has been noted. And DNA was confirmed." Ms. Brown said as she handed him the medical report.
"She needs counseling." Mike said.
"Yes, very much so. She is fortunate to still have a family member alive though. Most of the girls are going to foster homes that won't be as keen to help them." Ms. Brown remarked.
"Are there follow up appointments or do the police need anything further from her?" Mike asked.
"No, she is all yours. Here's a folder with suggested therapists and a voucher for clothes and other items...all she has is on her at the moment." Ms. Brown said. Mike handed her the voucher back.
"I can buy my daughter's clothes." Mike insisted.
"Do you have a female friend that can help you with her? She's very troubled and she doesn't remember you very well. She said she was seven when you left for the Arctic." Ms. Brown asked.
"I do." Mike said as he stood up.
"Good. I'll step in and speak with her for a moment if you don't care?" Ms. Brown asked.
"Of course." Mike said.
"And here's my business card. If she becomes too much for you to take care of, contact me and I will have her placed." Ms. Brown said.
"That is not going to happen. I'll make do." Mike answered.
"Just be prepared. You are in for some very rough times." Ms. Brown said before walking into the family room, where Hannah was still seated. Mike gave them a bit of privacy and was trying to figure out something for dinner. A moment later, Ms. Brown was gone and Mike was faced with a terrified young girl, who was now in a fetal position on his couch. Neither Kara or Sasha answered the phone, so Mike thought for a moment and finally relented. Thankfully, Maddie answered on the second ring.
"Mike?" Maddie asked. He could hear Molly fussing in the background and immediately felt bad.
"Yeah…sorry. I need help. CPS just left me with Hannah. Apparently she had been found in some sort of flop house. She's sitting on my couch in a fetal position. I was a cop, and had training but I'm at a loss and no one is answering their phones." Mike explained.
"Alright. Text me your address. Mom's home so I can leave Molly with her." Maddie said.
"She sounds fussy." Mike remarked.
"She has an ear infection and I couldn't afford her antibiotics." Maddie admitted.
"I'll…get them." Mike said.
"I'll be there soon." Maddie answered before hanging up. Mike texted her his address and focused back in on Hannah, who was shaking in fear.
"Hannah, I know you don't remember me or trust me, but I will not hurt you. That's a promise. A friend is on her way to help and I'll go get somethings you need once she gets here. Are you hungry? I have some soup." Mike asked.
"Yes." Hannah said weakly.
"Alright." Mike answered. He stood up, but focused on a photo album sitting on a bookshelf. "Here, this might help you remember a few things." Mike said. He tried to hand the album to Hannah, but she wouldn't take it, so he put it on the table before walking into the adjoining kitchen. As the soup heated up and he made a grilled cheese sandwich, he noticed Hannah looking at it. He could only hope it didn't make her sadder. Finally, the doorbell rang and Mike let Maddie in.
"Sorry, it took me a moment with Molly. She was being a bit clingy." Maddie said as Mike helped her out of her coat.
"No, sorry. I hate that I had to pull you away from her. I haven't told Hannah about her yet, by the way." Mike said.
"Okay. Do you intend to?" Maddie asked.
"Yes." Mike said simply as he led Maddie into the living area. The soup was done and Mike dished it up. "Hannah, your dinner is ready. This is my friend, Maddie. She's going to stay here with you while I run a few errands and get you a few things. You'll be safe with her; I promise." Mike explained.
"I brought a few things with me so you can take a shower and get cleaned up before your dad gets back. Mike, I can text you sizes?" Maddie suggested.
"Yes, thanks. Hannah, eat up and relax. You have nothing to worry about now." Mike said. He knew not to touch her but he did make eye contact with her and then gave her a smile. Maddie winked at him once Hannah sat down and began eating. "Also text me with the pharmacy name and I'll pick up the prescriptions and please, make yourself at home." Mike said.
"Will do. Thanks." Maddie said with a smile. Mike nodded before leaving Maddie and Hannah alone, knowing he was going to be leaning on her and he would have to explain to Maddie about how Molly came to be, because he would not be pulling Maddie away from their daughter constantly to take care of his other daughter. At least he would have Hannah on her birthday, even if he couldn't touch her.
