A/N: Please note that this chapter contains graphic scenes.

THE MORNING AFTER - CHAPTER 3

Matt Branson stood over Lindsay, sneering as he glared at her. He had grown into a powerful young man, with bulging arms and chest, but his eyes still possessed the same evil glint as they did back in college.

His voice hissed from behind clenched teeth. "Surprised to see me?"

Lindsay was terrified, but she refused to show it and instead posed a question of her own. "Why are you here?"

She groaned as he kicked her brutally. "Revenge, my dear. You didn't really think you could get away from me, did you?"

Ignoring the pain, Lindsay scrambled up onto her feet and immediately planted them firmly into the floor. "Get out of my apartment, Matt. You have no business being here."

He laughed mockingly. "You are both insolent and deaf. I should never have dated you; that was the biggest mistake of my life."

"No," she retorted, voice dripping with venom. "You were the mistake. It was foolishness to think that I would never find out. I won't tell you again; get out of my home or I'll have you arrested."

Matt shrugged carelessly. "You have nothing on me."

Now it was Lindsay's turn to laugh in his face. "I'm a Detective. One phone call and they'll be all over this place. I did it once; I can do it again."

Swift as a flash he connected with her stomach. Lindsay doubled over and wrenched, jagged tears streaming down her cheeks. Matt grabbed her by her golden locks, lifted her up, and dragged her into the bedroom, where he threw her onto the mattress like a rag doll.

"I see you haven't changed a bit since college. You're still a selfish little bitch!"

Swimming dangerously close to unconsciousness, Lindsay bravely attempted to defend herself, but was at a disadvantage as she was lying on her back. Looming over her, Matt tore at her clothes, ripping them into shreds and flinging them carelessly onto the floor. Lindsay kicked and screamed, but he only laughed maliciously. The sickening realization struck Lindsay like a thunderbolt: he was bigger and more powerful.

She continued to fight, but Matt merely dodged her flailing limbs. She was now lying half-naked on the bed, and he climbed on top of her, snarling with pleasure as he watched her struggle in his grasp. Wounded in numerous places, Lindsay wriggled like a fish out of water, but she was helpless against her stronger opponent. Completely ignoring her pleas, he tore off her shirt and bra, taking a good look at her from head to waist.

Though she fought back courageously, Lindsay was immobilized; she could do nothing to stop the violent attack. Matt snarled wickedly and plunged himself into her with such force that a horrendous scream emitted from her throat. Blood immediately streamed out from her, lining the sheets beneath them. Powerless tears formed rivulets on Lindsay's face; she was at his total mercy. He drove deeper, and soon they were both covered in the red liquid. Matt continued his evil crime for several more agonizing seconds, not speaking a word the entire time, his hand covering Lindsay's mouth to silence her cries. His other hand held her wrist down, stealing her ability to move.

After what seemed like an eternity, he lifted himself off her, wiping the perspiration from his forehead with a sleeve. When he finally spoke, his voice was like a death whisper.

"Thanks."

---

Some time passed before Lindsay managed to lift a single limb. She was completely paralyzed with fear and shame, and she had no idea if Matt would return to finish the deed. Choked sobs rose from her chest as she felt the blood continue to seep through the sheets and onto her skin. She remained frozen on the bed, terrified that her vicious attacker would suddenly leap back in the room and find her to be still alive.

Tragically unaware of the full extent of the rape, Lindsay could only lay in silence, defenseless against the still-wet blood that pooled around her body. Blackness swallowed her up, and the excruciating pain vanished as she sunk into the abyss.

---

An older woman who lived next door slowly ventured out from her apartment. She had heard Lindsay scream but was too nervous to investigate. However, she felt uneasy about the sudden silence coming from her neighbors. Noticing their door was slightly open, she grabbed an umbrella from its holder, carrying it above her shoulders in preparation for any surprises.

The elder cautiously opened the door and peered in. "Hello? Is anyone there?"

Silence greeted her questions. Stepping into the apartment, she gazed about the seemingly normal place and was about to leave when a moan rose in the air. Tightening her grip on the umbrella handle, she headed to the bedroom where the noise had come from, and it was there that her eyes fell upon a dreadful sight.

Her younger neighbor was splayed out on the blood-soaked sheets, the substance covering her hips, thighs, and hands. The older woman nearly dropped her umbrella in shock, but she acted quickly. Rushing over to the bed, she inspected Lindsay, who was nude and obviously tumbling around in some dark chasm. She gently lifted her eyelids and shined the bedside lamp into them. Lindsay's pupils immediately dilated, and the lady knew that she was at least alive. Grabbing the cell off the table, she dialed for assistance and grasped Lindsay's hand, whispering kind words to her as she waited for the ambulance to arrive.

---

"You wanted to see me Mac?"

The head CSI turned around with a grim face. Danny noted this before closing the door and approaching the desk. His elder's normally bright eyes were clouded, and his lips were pressed firmly together. Danny knew something was terribly wrong.

"I just got off the phone with Angel of Mercy. Lindsay is there."

Danny jumped up, asking the question to which he already knew the answer. "Is she alright?"

"She's been raped, Danny. It's not looking good."

Danny's heart stopped for a split second, and his knees buckled from the weight of the devastating news. Mac rushed around the table and assisted him up, grasping his hand tightly.

"We're all going over now to see her. You can come with me."

Danny barely made out his words. Lindsay, raped? How could that happen? His eyes suddenly filled with blood, and he slammed an angry fist down on the desk. The impact was so forceful that several objects rattled around on the surface. He was beyond furious; who would do something so evil to someone like Lindsay, let alone anyone? He had seen these cases before, but they were nothing like this. It took every ounce of his being to not tear out of that office and drive down to the hospital himself. He spoke no words as Mac literally carried him out, all four limbs near limp at the monstrosity of Lindsay's case.

He had no idea that things would go from bad to worse.