Jay, Voight, and the others were waiting in the waiting room to receive an update on Erin. It had been nearly two hours since their arrival at the hospital, and the team anxiously awaited news about their friend.
Jay's restlessness was evident as he paced back and forth, his thoughts consumed by Erin. He hoped that Maggie and Natalie would provide an update soon, understanding that such information could take time.
'What is taking so long?' Jay asked, running his fingers through his hair in frustration, desperate for more information and concerned about Erin's well-being.
His pacing came to a halt when Antonio intervened sternly, 'Jay, please sit down,' the second in demand ordered, observing his best friend's agitated state, to which Jay responded with a defiant glare.
Jay expressed uncertainty, stating, 'I am not sure if I can handle it; if I sit down, I might go crazy.' After briefly stopping his pacing, he acknowledged Antonio's desire for him to remain calm. However, the difficulty persisted as his partner, and girlfriend was being scrutinized due to their decision to let her inquire with Tawny alone.
Jay observed Antonio shaking his head and stating, 'Jay, we understand your concern for Erin, as does everyone.' Despite this assurance, Jay's frustration intensified as he pointed out, 'None of this would have occurred if one of us had accompanied Erin.'
This assertion was met with avoidance by the others, except for Voight, who glared at Jay with disapproval. Voight then confronted Jay by standing up, approaching him, and asserting, 'As her partner, you should have accompanied her. I'll ask the same question to you.'
Antonio demanded, rising to separate the two men. 'The two of you engaging in a conflict will not be beneficial to Erin in any way,' he stated instructing Ruzek to escort Jay and Al to escort Voight to separate ends of the waiting room. Jay and Voight exchanged glances before complying and waited in isolation, consumed by their individual thoughts.
'I will step outside to get some fresh air,' Jay said, uncertain if he could remain inside much longer without another outburst, acknowledging that no one was to blame for the current situation.
《 Erin 》
Erin remained seated on the hospital bed after Maggie and Natalie completed their examination, showing a concerned expression as they conversed about their next steps.
'Erin, for precautionary measures, it is essential for us to proceed with a rape kit,' Maggie spoke gently, redirecting the brunette's attention, who seemed to be distracted, possibly reflecting on recent events involving Tawny.
Startled by a hand on her arm, Erin turned to Maggie in confusion. 'What was that?' she inquired apologetically, having missed Maggie's initial statement.
Maggie and Natalie exchanged understanding looks before addressing Erin again, acknowledging that her inattentiveness was understandable given the circumstances. 'I mentioned that it's necessary for us to conduct a rape kit examination on you,' Maggie explained with empathy.
Erin recoiled at the mention of the rape kit and expressed her confusion as to why she needed to undergo the procedure, given that the perpetrator was deceased. 'Why? I mean, the man who raped me is no longer alive, so there should be no necessity,' the brunette asserted adamantly.
Maggie, speaking softly, explained, 'I understand your reluctance, but we must ensure that you do not contract any diseases.' Having just finished stitching up Erin's stomach and neck, Maggie pointed out that completing the rape kit was now the only remaining task.
Despite her initial resistance, Erin acknowledged Maggie's rationale and recognized the importance of undergoing the examination, albeit with a sense of fear.
'I understand that this can be intimidating, Erin, despite your experience with similar cases. However, I assure you it will only take a few minutes,' Maggie reassured gently. Erin, pondering the situation, eventually agreed, but expressed her concern about entrusting just any doctor with the task.
'Can the two of you handle it? I'm not sure if I can rely on any random doctor to perform the examination,' Erin whispered, addressing Maggie and Natalie.
"Indeed, we are able to assist," responded Maggie with a soft smile, as Natalie went to retrieve the kit while Maggie remained with Erin, who began to gaze into the distance once more.