A flash of dark hair caught my attention a few seconds before Julie threw herself in my arms. I embraced her tightly, letting her cry. Julie's cast pressed into my back as she held on like I was her lifesaver. "I'm here. You never have to go back home," I whispered.
I waited until Julie released me before stepping back to look at her. The black eye and split lip marred Julie's beautiful face. The bruises appeared to be one day old. However, it could be more since her skin was darker than mine.
"What happened to your arm?" I asked. When we talked, Julie told me about the other bumps and bruises but not the broken arm.
"Sharlene took me to the hospital when I arrived. She noticed the weird bruises on my arm after I removed my sweatshirt. The doctor sent me for an X-ray and said I had broken my arm. I might need surgery," Julie said, sounding heartbroken.
"You'll need to settle the bill with the hospital," Sharlene said. I acknowledged Sharlene with a curt nod and returned my attention to Julie.
"When do you see the surgeon?" I asked Julie, who shrugged.
Sharlene saved me from having to contact the hospital. Handing me an appointment card, Sharlene said, "This has everything you need."
The appointment was in January, after the holidays. It would extend our vacation if Julie needed surgery. "Thank you," I said, excusing myself to call the doctor. He promised to email me a copy of the X-ray and other documentation I required for the lawyer. I gave him the email address of the criminal prosecutor in Miami.
When I returned to the Bed & Breakfast side of the house, I caught Sharlene leaving. "Where are you going?" I asked.
Frowning, Sharlene replied, "Julie doesn't have a suitcase. She'll explain everything."
"Oh boy," I sighed. "I'll take her shopping."
"No, it's two days before Christmas. The stores will be crazy. You sit here with Julie. I'm going shopping," Sharlene insisted. "There's chilli in the crockpot for dinner. I should be back when it's ready."
I gave Sharlene a prepaid Visa. "You should have eight hundred on the card. Get everything you think Julie needs. Do you need her sizes?"
"She gave me everything I need. I'll be back in an hour to cook dinner," Sharlene promised.
"Thank you," I said. Sharlene touched my arm. She tucked the card into her purse and left.
Julie was sitting on the couch between Hector and Hal. She had her head resting on Hal's shoulder. When I approached, she slowly lifted her head and right arm. "How am I supposed to write or eat for the next six weeks?"
Hector offered me his seat, which I happily accepted. Julie rested her bruised cheek against my shoulder. I heard her hiss as she got comfortable. "You'll adapt," I said. "When you cut meat, do you hold the fork in your left hand?"
"Yes," she replied. "And I use it to eat the pieces."
Smiling, I said, "Holding utensils in your left hand is second nature, so feeding yourself is easy. You'll need someone to cut the meat, or you can gnaw on it like a carnivore."
Julie giggled. I looked at her pretty face. It was the first time I've seen her smile since the abuse started. "Mom wouldn't let me bring a suitcase," Julie confessed. "She twisted it from my hand when I told her I was going to live with you. I heard my arm pop but thought I dislocated my elbow or wrist." Julie paused for a few minutes to control her emotions. I could feel her body shaking against mine.
"Take your time," I quietly said, comforting her as best I could.
"Thank God I put the court papers in my purse. Mom never saw it beneath my sweatshirt," Julie added. "She wasn't supposed to be home. I think the bank fired Mom."
"Do you think someone tipped her off?" I wondered.
"Anything is possible. But I think it was Myron Jeffries, our neighbour across the street. He's wearing a leg monitor to keep him in the house. Myron probably saw Stella park on the road to pick me up," Julie answered.
I was livid. The man who installed cameras inside Julie's bedroom and the bathroom was home to watch Julie leave and enter her house. Anyone of his online friends could have snatched Julie. I would never have known about the pictures online if my cousin Vinnie had not told me. Vinnie was too chickenshit to approach Ranger and left that job to me. In Vinnie's defence, when he discovered the photographs, Ranger was in the wind.
"We should have taken you away sooner," I whispered.
"I have never seen my mom so angry. It scared me. She stopped hitting me when the social worker kept checking on me every few days. But when she saw me with my suitcase, she went nuts. Why didn't Dad's employees stop Mom from hurting me?" Julie asked.
Grimacing, I replied, "They had a court order against assisting and contacting Ranger. All the judge allowed them to do was contact the MDPD whenever you needed help or medical attention. Rangeman Miami couldn't afford to go against the judicial system. I'm sorry we couldn't do more to protect you."
The guilt of leaving Julie in the house with her unstable mother broke my heart. I wished the courts allowed me to take Julie home once I uncovered the assault, but Stella said I had to let the system work. We could have put Julie in a foster home if they weren't already overcrowded like the prison cells for men like Myron Jeffries.
Ron's children, Sylvia and Ronnie, were living with his family while Ron rotted away in his prison cell until the courts decided he had served his time. Unlike Rachel, Rod confessed to his crime. He admitted to losing control after finding Rachel in bed with her ex-husband. Ron's parents wouldn't take Julie since they never wanted Ron to adopt her.
The courts were sympathetic towards Rachel since she claimed Ron's abuse began shortly after Julie's kidnapping. She played the system to her advantage. When Julie's court appointment lawyer spoke to her, she said Ron was indifferent to her and had only witnessed affection between Ron and Rachel. Julie claimed the physical and emotional abuse started after her biological father, Ricardo Manoso, visited them in the summer. She added there was no sexual assault from either parent.
With Julie's deposition, the courts considered her explanation while the prosecutor questioned Rachel and Ron. The prosecutor got Ron to confess, but Rachel was more challenging to crack. However, with Stella outside the house, she contacted the police and recorded the recent assault. Rachel couldn't lie and claimed that Julie had fallen down the stairs.
"Steph, it isn't your fault. Mom wasn't supposed to be home," Julie said.
"Why didn't you use self-defence to fight her off?" Hal asked.
Julie hung her head. "I'm embarrassed for letting her hit me. She's my mom, and I didn't want to hurt her," Julie confessed. I held Julie as she cried. My heart broke because I wouldn't have been able to fight my mom either.
I had to do something to protect children like Julie. Those children had no place to go because the system was broken, and some cities didn't have enough foster homes for children in need. "How can I help?" I asked Julie.
"What do you mean?" she asked.
"How can I help other children experience everything you have during the past six months?" I elaborated.
"I don't know. Maybe open a home, like a retirement villa, for abused children. You can have licensed therapists on site with women running the facility," Julie joked. It was a great idea. I had lots of money to use for the haven.
"What should I call it?" I asked.
"Ask Ranger," Julie said, thinking I wasn't serious about her idea. "Do you mind if I go take a shower?"
"Not at all. Do you need me to wrap your cast?" I asked. Julie nodded. I gestured to Hal to call Ranger about Julie's idea. Hal would wait until I was alone with Julie before calling Ranger. I hoped he understood I wanted to fund the opening and use galas to raise money for the everyday operation. The nonprofit organization would raise awareness and help keep these abused children off the streets.
Hal, Julie and I were staying in the Nelsons' side of the house. My family and guards would be on the Bed & Breakfast side. I was relieved when Sharlene gave me their guest bedroom with an ensuite bathroom. Once I got Julie's arm wrapped and taped with two garbage bags, I turned on the water and waited until she climbed inside. "Jules, I'm leaving the walkie-talkie on the counter. Use it if you need help. I'll take the other one downstairs," I explained, setting the device on the vanity.
"Thanks, Steph. I'll let you know when I'm done. Can you help me wash my hair?" Julie asked.
"Sure," I replied. "Could you manage if I put the shampoo in your left hand?" Julie wasn't sure she could wash her hair properly. I reached behind the shower curtain to wash Julie's hair. She wasn't embarrassed to stand naked in front of me. I wasn't trying to look, but I noticed the bruises across her ribs and on her back. How could a mother do that to her child? Ranger would kill Rachel if he saw Julie's injuries.
"Thanks for helping, Steph," Julie said when I helped her rinse the conditioner from her hair. "I've got it from here." Julie knows I saw her injuries, but didn't cover up. I suspected she wanted me to see the worst of them. She wasn't sexually assaulted, that I knew with certainty.
"I'll braid it when you come downstairs," I promised. Julie mumbled as she let the water run over her head. I closed the bedroom door behind me and smiled when Hector stood guard to keep anyone from entering Julie's room while she was vulnerable.
As I descended the stairs, I glanced at the bedroom door, where Hector stood as Julie's sentinel, keeping her protected from someone accidentally entering the bedroom. I had locked the door behind me, but you couldn't be too careful.
When I entered the living room, Hal passed me the phone. "Ranger wants to talk," he said. I nodded and accepted the offer to borrow the den to have privacy.
"Hey, Ranger. What's up?" I asked.
"How's Julie?" Ranger asked.
"Bumped and bruised, but she's a tough girl. She'll be fine, Ranger," I reassured him. "Her arm is broken. I helped her in the shower." I felt he needed to know I was taking care of his daughter.
"I love your idea to build a home for children experiencing physical abuse from their parents or other relatives. Hal said it was Julie's idea. What do you need from me?" Ranger asked.
"Ideas on who to hire to staff the home. I want women running the facility to give the children a sense of security. Still, those women must be able to protect the children from external harm and teach them the importance of maintaining a routine and the value of hard work," I replied. "I want to name it something that includes the word Haven."
I could feel Ranger smiled when he said, "Hire ex-military women. We hired some at Rangeman Boston, but they never lasted long. They want to have children. Many can't find a man worthy of marrying. RangeHaven could give them the children they want while they give back to the community," Ranger suggested.
"That's an excellent idea," I said. "I want to set up a RangeHaven in Miami and Trenton. My friend Stella might be interested in running the Miami branch. I need someone to manage the Trenton one."
"One step at a time, Steph," Ranger laughed. "We need a home with multiple bedrooms, bathrooms and locking doors."
"There's a hotel in Hamilton Township for sale. I can get Uncle Vincent to check the building's structure and secure the permits to renovate the rooms to house children," I excitedly explain. Ranger listened as I explained my vision, initiated by Julie's comment in jest. I knew he was taking notes. It wouldn't surprise me if Ranger talked to Uncle Vincent to get the ball rolling. In fact, I hoped he would get my project started.
"Stephanie, you are a remarkable woman. I talked to Hunter, and he confessed to knowing about the court order in Miami. The employees and Hunter weren't allowed to contact me because it would have impeded the case regarding the assault allegations. I'm thankful you're taking care of my daughter. I promise to let you and Hal do what's best for her," Ranger said. I wiped a tear from my eye. Having Ranger's support would make it easier for Julie.
Mimicking Ranger, I said, "No price, Batman." Ranger laughed and promised to get started on the logistics of RangeHaven. He mentioned Hunter and a few others would come on board to help finance my dream and keep it as a nonprofit organization.
"That's my line," he laughed. "Take care of my baby while I care for your dream."
"Thank you, Ranger. We'll talk when I return to Trenton. I won't stop you from visiting Julie, but you must remember she's my ward," I said. Ranger laughed and hung up.
I heard the walkie-talkie crackle. "Steph, I need help," Julie called over the speaker.
"On my way," I replied. She had access to my suitcases if she needed clothes. I had new panties packed in a side pocket separated from the others. However, I would prefer it if Julie wore her own clothes. Saving me the trouble of figuring out what Julie should wear, Sharlene passed me the bags for Julie. "Perfect timing," I gratefully said.
"No problem, my dear. I'll get the table set for dinner," Sharlene promised.
Julie was sitting on the bed when I opened the door. I raised my brows. "I unlocked it so you can come inside," Julie said. I placed the bags on the bed and let Julie sort through the clothes to select what she wanted to wear. Julie chose sweatpants, a tank top, boy short panties, a sports bra, a hoodie and fuzzy socks. Sharlene wisely selected a hoodie to unzip.
"What do you need me to do?" I asked, sitting beside her. Julie tried in vain to remove the garbage bag covering her cast. I gently removed the scissors from her hand to cut away the bag.
"Help with my socks," she replied. I grabbed the pair she set aside and put them on her feet. Julie smiled and fumbled while getting dressed. Everything Sharlene bought fit Julie perfectly. "Thank you," Julie whispered when I held the hoodie for her to slip her cast through the right sleeve.
Julie and I discussed finishing the school semester as I braided her hair. She had one month of lessons remaining before the second semester. I hoped Julie could finish her courses online. It would help once we returned to Trenton. Julie could submit her assignments and take her final exams at Trenton High School.
We entered the dining room as Sharlene placed the serving dishes on the table. "I hope you don't mind chilli," Sharlene said. "I baked those rolls this morning." Sharlene pointed to the basket on the table.
"Yum," Julie and I replied, sitting beside each other. Hal sat on my other side. Hector, Cal, Manny and Junior joined us at the table.
James prayed about family and friends before thanking God for the food on the table and his wife for cooking his favourite meal. I stifled a laugh, making a snorting sound instead. "Sorry," I mumbled after James said, "Amen."
Everyone ate in companionable silence. Well, almost everyone. I moaned throughout dinner. "This is the best chilli I have ever eaten," I exclaimed after the last bite.
"It's my father's recipe," Sharlene replied. "I could give you a copy to take home."
"Mama, I know how to cook Grandpa's chilli," Hal said. I noticed that Julie had eaten without spilling food onto her lap.
"And I tend to burn everything," I laughed.
"It's improving," Hal teased.
"Only because Ella's there to supervise. I'm too easily distracted," I confessed.
I helped Sharlene clear the table. The men and Julie went to the living room to watch TV. "Does Julie like her clothes?" Sharlene asked.
"She does," I replied. "Thank you for handling the shopping."
Sharlene returned the prepaid Visa, "It wasn't a hardship. You should have a few hundred left on there. I bought everything except the underwear from the sales racks."
I joined the others in the living room while Sharlene went to the other side of the house to clean up after the few guests ate dinner. Mom, Dad and the rest of my family were arriving in an hour. We asked Cal and Manny to pick them up from the airport. I was too emotionally drained to deal with the craziness of the airport.
Hal draped his arm across my shoulder. Julie scooted closer to me, resting her casted arm on my leg. I felt honoured to have Julie in my care. With my history of blowing up cars and having stalkers, I never expected the judge to grant me guardianship.
We celebrated Christmas Day with Hal's family, having spent time with mine the previous night before we attended midnight mass. Julie was pleased to receive gifts from Sharlene, James and Jamie. Hal and I spoiled her with a new laptop, iPad and phone. We wanted Julie to have everything she needed for school. It was an emotional day for Julie. She missed her brother and sister but wasn't allowed to contact them until Rachel's trial for assault.