CHAPTER 86
Malyn woke up in the hospital, her body weak and her heavy eyes open to a scene of white walls and deep confusion. Her hand instinctively went to her belly, where life was growing. A wave of emotion washed over her. Fear, uncertainty and gratitude for being there...
"How did I get here?"
"What had happened?"
As the memories slowly crept back, tears welled up in her eyes. She remembered the headline in the newspaper showing her escape from that monster, the man she only learned his name today, the father of her baby... The man who raped her. She remembered her desperate cry, the ground opening up as her mind stopped working, and in the square in front of that mountie her eyes went dark.
She felt firm hands supporting her, and heard at that moment a firm voice making a promise to protect her and her baby.
"Who was that man? That young mountie?"
Malyn, still lost in her emotions, saw the bedroom door open, and her gaze met the mountie who had rescued her at the critical moment when she had fainted. He had been there, faithfully looking after her for days in hospital. Tears of gratitude filled her eyes.
That soldier's presence represented not only human compassion, but the courage and sacrifice that so many professionals made every day to protect the lives of others. She could hardly find the words to express her gratitude, but the look in his eyes was eloquent enough.
The mountie smiled gently, a smile that conveyed relief and satisfaction at seeing her awake and recovering. The connection that had formed between them during those difficult days was undeniable.
- How are you feeling, Malyn?
- A bit weak and sleepy, but thanks to you we're fine.
- I'm glad to hear you're recovering. I saw you reading the paper in that square and I saw your despair... can you tell me what happened? Trust me, please!
Edward Monclay was a gentleman... he would never force a young woman to tell him what was going on, but as a mountie, he knew that something was very wrong with that story, his nose was working at full speed and he needed to investigate.
- It was about that dangerous fugitive; the man who had done me a lot of harm. I couldn't believe what I was reading... He's my son's father.
A surprised Edward asked:
- Your son's father?
- Until that moment, I didn't know. Until I read that newspaper, I didn't even know his name. We had a brief encounter just over four months ago, when he raped me in the hotel room where I worked. I saw his face in the paper and my heart sank, that news made me desperate, because my baby is the son of that monster. What's more, he's on the loose and I, as well as other women, are at risk.
- I'm sorry Malyn, I know it was a big shock, but as a mountie I need to ask you. Are you sure it's him? Did you report it?
- I'm sure. She cried as she remembered everything she had been through at Charles' hands.
- I'll never forget what he did to me. I spent over a month full of bruises, unable to get out of bed in hospital. The doctor called a team of Mounties who were in my city, but they couldn't file a complaint, because I didn't know the man's name and there was no way of registering a complaint. They treated me like a woman who wanted adventure and ended up going out with the wrong man. I even had to hear that it was good, because it would make me become a woman faster, and that I should have instigated and provoked the man to the point where he forced me into something.
Edward sat down close to the stretcher and took Malyn's hand and said:
- I know this is all very difficult, but I need to tell you something important. It is crucial that you make a formal complaint about the violence you have suffered. This is not only to ensure that justice prevails, but also to protect you and the baby.
- I understand the importance of this, but I'm afraid of the consequences. What if he tries to find me? What if he does it again? What if it puts the baby in danger? She was insecure and very afraid and Edward could tell and wanted to take her in his arms, to wipe all that dread off her face...
"He had only known that young woman for a few days, but it pained him to see the fear and anguish on her face... I would give my life to see her always smiling..." Edward thought.
- Look, Malyn... I understand your fears, but I'll be with you. We'll take all the necessary security measures to protect you. Making this complaint could prevent other women from suffering the same as you. What's more, when he is arrested, he will no longer pose a threat to you or your child.
When Malyn looked into Edward's eyes, she found a deep sense of security and empathy in them. In that moment of silence, she understood that she was no longer alone on this journey. The determination in his eyes inspired confidence and courage in her heart. She knew that she would make the right decision by complaining about the violence she had suffered.
The presence of the mountie by her side was a constant reminder that he would support her, that they would fight together to face the challenges of justice, and that this was the best way to protect not only herself, but that innocent baby growing in her womb. In that look she found the strength to go on...
- Okay, Edward... I'll file the complaint.
