Mentions of sexual assault and rape, but nothing descriptive.
Never Again, Again
Chapter 21
Mike was gone a lot but things were going really well. The kids were growing and healing. Mike and Christine's marriage was strong. The only issues they really had was Christine and Hannah's relationship and Katie's poor health.
Hannah was not outwardly disrespectful to Christine because she had learned that if she was, when Mike got back, she would have hell to pay. So, she rarely spoke to Christine. It bothered Christine, of course; but she still held out hope that Hannah would reach out to her.
One day; while Mike was on a cruise in the South Pacific; Hannah didn't return home from school. Katie homeschooled and while Hannah and Christine didn't get along, she was not rebellious because she still sought Mike's approval and love. Christine was beginning to get worried when Hannah's number called her.
"Hannah, where are you? You were due home two hours ago." Christine asked.
"This is not Hannah, but we have her. You should call and ask your husband about the Immunes." The male voice said.
"Let me talk to my daughter!" Christine demanded. She could hear crying in the background and some shuffling around.
"She isn't available." The voice said before the call disconnected.
Christine immediately called Sasha Cooper. She would see to it that Mike was alerted. Within a half hour; Mike's team had assembled at the house and law enforcement was canvasing the area between the school and the house.
Suddenly, everyone but Russ Jeter and Miller left, and Christine thought they might have been there to protect her and the kids. Russ had tried to get her to go to sleep but she couldn't until she had heard.
Christine settled into her bedroom and began looking at Hannah's baby book. She had been such a happy baby. She'd always been a daddy's girl but there were some sweet photos with her and Christine too. It made Christine realize that if Hannah was found harmed, Mike would be destroyed. But, for that matter; so would she.
She had completely zoned out and didn't hear anything from downstairs when suddenly, Russ appeared at her bedroom door. As soon as she saw his face, she knew.
"No!" Christine wailed as she threw the photo album down and began sobbing into her hands.
"They found her. She's alive but…she's been tortured. Kara and Sasha are taking her to the hospital. Azima and Wolfe are on their way here to stay with the kids." Russ said. He helped her stand up and found her a sweater to wear.
"Should I wake Katie up?" Christine asked.
"Probably ought to let her sleep. It's a marathon, not a sprint and Hannah is going to need support for a long time." Russ said.
"Was she…raped?" Christine asked and he nodded.
"Unfortunately so." Russ answered.
"Where's Mike?" Christine asked.
"They reached him but its unclear how long it'll be before he gets here. He's in a remote part of the South Pacific. We should probably pack a few clothes for Hannah too." Russ explained and Christine nodded. She began packing a bag for her and Hannah both, not knowing any details about injuries.
Christine was beyond thankful for how steady Russ was. She had to wonder about the wisdom of taking her to hospital. She seriously doubted Hannah wanted her there, but it could be hours or even days before Mike arrived.
The nurses were still working on cleaning Hannah up when she got there. Once she was there, Christine held Hannah's hand while they preformed a sexual assault kit. She had been surprised that Hannah allowed it, but she was happy to do that much. She also let Christine help bathe her and braid her hair.
"Daddy will be here as soon as he can." Christine said when they were finally alone. Hannah had been quiet the entire time.
"Where's Katie and the twins?" Hannah asked.
"Back at the house." Christine said.
"Alone?" Hannah asked with a hint of fear in her voice. Christine sat down next to her on the hospital bed and put an arm around Hannah, shocked when she leaned into her.
"Wolfe and Azima are there." Christine answered.
"I'm so tired." Hannah remarked.
"Just sleep, sweetie. When you wake up, your dad might be here." Christine said.
"You'll stay here, won't you?" Hannah asked.
"Yes, of course." Christine answered. She kissed the top of her head and rocked her to sleep gently. Shocked and hurting but glad Hannah was allowing her in.