The next morning Kim awoke to laughing coming from the baby monitor. The kids were clearly awake and the alarm hadn't gone off yet. She slowly moved out of bed heading to their room to see them. "Morning you two!" Thankfully they were still in the bed. "Mommy! Morning!" Both kids yelled. "Well you two are happy this morning. Let's go potty and then we can wake Adam." Both kids were taken out of bed and ran to the bathroom to potty quickly. When they finished they headed towards Adam. They were excited to wake him. Kim helped them into the bed quietly to wake him. Little did they know he was already awake. He was waiting for them to come back so he didn't ruin their joy.
He felt the pressure on his chest and two sets of little hands bracing on his chest. "Morning Adam!" They whisper yelled trying not to scare him but to wake him. He opened his eyes slowly seeing two adorable little faces smiling wide looking at him. "Well good morning! I'm so happy to see you both!" He opened his arms for them to snuggle beside him. "Morning darling!" He watched her closely seeing her happiness beaming. "Morning. Thought you would enjoy this wake-up." She curled up next to the, placing her hand on his abs as they rested together. "Definitely an amazing wake up with my family! I love this so much!" Adam smiled wide looking towards the kids who had fallen back to sleep. "Well looks like they just needed you to sleep again. This is beautiful. I'm so thankful for this family we created together." She leaned in to kiss him.
"How are you feeling this morning? Last night was pretty intense." He watched her thinking. "Um I'm good. It was time I told someone. It was tough to talk about but it needed to be done. You deserved the truth." Kim shrugged a bit. "It would have been okay if we never talked about it. That's strongly personal. And you should have been able to hide that if it was what you wanted to do. However I am thankful you opened up even if it was only because of that woman. Just know that I still love you and always will." He had said it last night but he needed her to hear it again. "You know I think it was good to talk about. Healing in a way. So I think I'm good." She smiled watching her family. "This is such a wonderful moment. I can't wait for this every morning." He watched the two sleeping child.
"We can't allow this at night. They have to be able to sleep in their own beds. And alone. We can't create dependency." She smiled a bit. "I know that but I love this. Love that we're comfortable enough to sleep in my arms. I was always afraid we wouldn't get here. But I'm so thankful we have." He wanted to kiss her but he couldn't move. Afraid to wake the kids. "I was afraid of that too. With what they have been through I was scared we wouldn't get here but we did. And that's all because of you. Just showing up for them, for me. Showing us how to be loved and that we all deserve it. You are a beautiful man and father." Kim leaned in to kiss him softly. "I'm gonna start getting up for the day. We can give them about 20 more minutes before they have to up." He watched her get up and enter the bathroom to start the shower. He was sad because he would like to have joined her but he was happy to snuggle with the kids.
He felt them starting to move again a few minutes later. Both snuggling closer just like their mom. As they woke more he watched them sitting up looking around seeing only Adam with them. "Mom's in the shower kiddos." They both looked back realizing they were safe, okay. "Did you have a bad dream? Or did you forget where you were?" He was confused by the kids reaction to waking up with him. They hadn't done that before. "Just forgot." Milo giggled. "Well okay. Are you guys ready to go potty and get dressed for the day?" Adam asked watching both kids cheer and head for their bathroom. Adam followed behind shaking his head smiling. He found both kids in the bathroom using the potty.
He helped them wash their hands and then helped them back to their room. "Okay pick out your outfits please." He loved watching them pick out their clothes. He got them dressed and then sent them back to see their mom. They ran to see Kim laughing loudly as they went. He popped his head in to make sure Kim was out of the shower before heading down to start breakfast. He could shower after he ate. As he made breakfast he heard his family coming down the stairs laughing still. He just smiled looking towards them. "Breakfast is ready kiddos." He walked over with their food and helped them in their chairs while Kim grabbed drinks. "Thank you baby! This is amazing!" Kim kissed him softly while the kids gagged. The couple looked back shocked but laughed as the kids started to giggle.
"Are we not allowed to kiss?" Kim asked the kids. "No! Gross!" The kids were laughing hard but so were Kim and Adam. "Here's the thing though kiddos. I love your mom so much. And I love you guys too. Kissing is how adults tell each other that they love the other. That should be okay right?" Adam asked trying to get them on his side. He watched them thinking about it. "Maybe just not in front of us!" Mia laughed. The couple agreed making the kids happy. After they finished eating Adam heads up the stairs to shower. He could hear the laughing while he stepped in to the shower. The slight blimp this morning had worried him but the rest of the morning had gone well for them all. Happy, laughing children was like a drug for the couple.
He returned downstairs to see the kids running around playing while Kim made lunches. "Kiddos time to brush your teeth, we have to get moving." Adam called out looking at his watch. The kids started up the stairs with him not far behind just in case. The kids entered the bathroom getting on the step stool to brush their teeth before they headed back downstairs. Adam loved being a part of their morning routine. "Are we all set?" Kim asked seeing her family entering the room. "I think we are. Let's get on the road." Adam led the kids to the car with Kim right behind them. With the kids secure in the car they headed out for the day. The kids were singing along with the radio as Kim drove them to daycare.
After the kids were dropped off the couple headed to work. "Kim. After the kids woke up this morning they seemed confused about where they were and waking up next to me. Milo said they just forgot where they were but it scared me a bit. Like they weren't happy with me being there." He explained as Kim drove. "I'm sorry that happened. But I can tell you that happens to me too when they go back to sleep in our bed. Does that help?" Kim asked shyly. "Yeah it does. Was just caught off guard a bit. But I'm glad it's not just me." He smiled feeling relieved that they didn't hate him. "They love you so much. I think they will have moments just like me for a while." She mused. "Probably." They both heard her phone ringing. He handed her the phone so she could see who it was.
"Hey girl what's up? Why aren't you working?" Kim asked her friend Michelle. "I'm headed to the doctor now." She replied. "Is the cancer back?" Kim asked scared. "No calm down! I pulled a muscle in my neck so I need muscle relaxers." She explained laughing a bit. "How exactly did you pull a muscle?" Kim asked slightly confused. Adam was just quiet just watching Kim. "Okay so you know I had the dinner with Dan the other day? His company's dinner party?" She paused. "Yeah what does that have to do with this?" Kim was very confused now. "Okay so there was a band who asked if anyone wanted to come up and sing. You know me I jumped at the chance. So I sang Zombie by the Cranberries while head banging." Kim interrupted. "That's not a head banging song! What the hell?" Kim almost yelled. "Whatever so anyway! After the dinner I went to the bathroom and took off my underwear and up them in my pocket. When I got to the car I threw them in Dans face. He looked shocked, confused. Anyway we are having sex and right as I orgasm I pulled a muscle in my neck so I'm screaming in pain, not pleasure." Kim was dying in laughter at this point. Adam was shocked.
"They as he's asking if I'm okay I'm telling him to push it back in to finish!" The girls dying of laughter. "Girl he was probably so turned off at that point. God you are a mess! What are you going to tell the doctor? The truth?" Kim asked laughing. "I don't know but my neck hurts! I need help!" The girls still laughing. "Well girl good luck! I just arrived at work. Call me later!" Kim hung up shortly after cracking up again. "Good that was funny as fuck!" Kim laughed getting out of the car. "Definitely funny but also shocking that she was open about that. Do you tell her about our sex life?" He asked worried. "No I don't. But that was hilarious. You have to admit that was funny as hell." Kim was still laughing. "Absolutely hysterical! And very dramatic! Is it always like that?" He asked as they walked in. "Pretty much. She's a lot of fun. And we have fun together. But always dramatic." They entered the bullpen Kim still laughing.
"Well anyone who makes you laugh like that is good in my book." He watched her pull out her phone looking for something. "This is us at a concert. And yes we are on stage dancing with Ton Loc." Kim shrugged before laughing again at his face. "Oh and this one is Vanilla Ice!" Kim showed him the next video of them dancing on stage. "That's crazy! But looks like you two were having fun at least. By the way I'm saving these videos. I love them!" He laughed seeing her annoyed face. "Whatever! It's all good!" Kim laughed. "What are you two laughing at?" Kevin asked seeing them laughing and smiling. "Oh her friend called with a funny story and then Kim shared two videos of her with the friend dancing on stage at a concert." He watched Kevin's face turned to shock. "Yup! Look here!" Adam ands them the phone for him to see.
"Damn girl! Looks like you two were having fun. We need that to happen again!" He laughed at them moving towards his desk. The team all arrived and settled into their desks waiting for their assignment. "Alright the ADA is on his way over to take over investigating the case. They have the resources to spend time coming through all the financial records. He should be here soon. Till we get a case work on your paperwork." Voight headed back to the office as the team worked. Almost an hour later they heard the gate open. Hearing footsteps coming up to the bullpen. They all saw a man walk in. "Peter?" Kim sounded shocked. "Burgess! Good to see you. How are you doing?" He asked after a brief hug. "I'm doing good. Really good. I uh never really got to thank you for everything you did with putting Paul away. I truly appreciate everything you did for myself and my kids. I will never be able to repay you for that." She tried to say it quietly but she was sure everyone heard it. "You never have to thank me for that. I was happy to help. To protect you all. Best thing you can do is live a full life with your babies." He watched her nod trying not to cry. He hugged her again before patting her shoulder to head to the office.
Adam was by her side in a flash. He never spoke just held her close till he was sure she was calm again. He left her be after that returning to his paperwork. Shortly after Erin's desk phone rang. They watched her take the call. "Alright that was Med we have a case. Child rape victim. Kim you should take it. Who do you want to take with you?" Erin offered knowing they all needed extra training in these types of cases. "Um I'm good with anyone. So how about Dawson?" Kim asked. He nodded jumping up to join her. They exited the bullpen heading for med. "This is going to suck! I hate crimes involving kids." He shook his head. "Yeah I know. But this is how we help them. It will hurt I know but we will get through it." Kim knew these cases are hard for everyone especially those with kids.
They arrived at Med in silence. They headed inside looking for their victim. Maggie pointed towards the right room. The partners moved in the room. "Good afternoon. I'm Kim and this is my partner Antonio. We are here to help you. Can you tell us your name?" Kim asked softly. "Bella." She whispered. "Well hello Bella. I know the doctors said someone hurt you. Can you tell us what happened to you?" Kim asked as she sat down in a chair next to the bed. "I'm scared!" She cried. "Oh I know hunny can I hug you?" Kim watched the little girl nod. Kim held her close trying to soothe her tears. Antonio closed the curtain to give them some privacy. "Can you tell me what happened?" Kim tried again. "Um the man touched me." She cried holding on to Kim. "Who is the man that touched you?" Kim tried again. "I don't know his name. He had a van." Bella cried. "How did he touch you?" Kim asked. "He put his fingers inside me, down there." Bella pointed crying.
"What color was the van?" Antonio asked softly. "White." She whispered. "Okay. Did the doors have windows?" He asked as Kim held the little girl. "No. It was dark inside." Bella whispered again. "Okay that's great. The man, what did he look like?" Kim asked knowing this was hard for anyone let alone a child. "He was white. His hair was different colors. But it was a wig. He had black hair under that." Bella looked confused about that. "Did he say anything to you?" Kim asked surprised by the looks. "Um he said something about this will get them to notice. I didn't understand." Bella looked at the partners just confused. "Well I'm not sure I understand either. But we are going to try our best to figure that out. Now where was the van?" Kim asked trying to get more information.
"Between the school and home. On that road." She closed her eyes holding back the tears. "Okay where are your parents?" Kim asked noticing they weren't there. "Don't know. I'm in the system. My foster parents have 7 kids." She shrugged a bit. "How old are you?" Kim asked surprised. "12. I'm used to it. Was that why I was attacked." Bella asked shyly. "I don't know. I really don't. But we will figure this out. I want you to know that I'm so proud of you for coming here for help. You are so brave!" Kim hugged her tight. "What do I do now?" Bella asked. "Well we are going to contact your social worker and they will help you get into therapy so you can talk to someone and get some help. I will give you my card so if you think of anything you can call me. If you see this man again, call me. Okay?" Kim asked handing her the business card.
"Alright we are going to head out but your social worker will be here soon." Kim hugged the girl one last time before they headed out looking for her doctor. "Dr Asher. Can we talk to you about Bella?" Antonio asked. "Yeah of course. So she was raped vaginally with what sounds like fingers only. Which is a small blessing. She has bruises from where she was held down. We checked her for skin cells but the results haven't come back yet. I will let you know as soon as I hear anything. I promise." The partners left after that. "That was horrible. Worse than I expected but still that was pretty horrible." Antonio said as they left the hospital. "Yeah I know. Cases with kids are always the worse. We just need to figure this out. I'm really confused by what he said to her and the clown wig. What was that all about?" Kim shook her head confused beyond belief.
When they arrived back to the district they entered the bullpen seeing the team working on the case. Antonio had sent some information so they could start investigating. "Alright what's the full story here." Voight asked seeing the duo. "So our victim is Bella Starr. She's 12 and in foster care. Her attacker was a white male with black hair but wearing a clown wig. He said something about this should get them to notice. Not sure what that means. Our saving grace so to speak is that she was only rape with his fingers. They tried to get skin cells for DNA but the results aren't back yet. She was attacked in a windowless white van on the street between her school and her home. Any ideas what's going on?" Kim asked sighing heavily.
"Okay so I'm new to this but maybe he's not a real rapist." Torres offered. "Kim calm down let him finish his thought." Voight stated sternly. They watched her nod trying to stay calm. "What I mean is he rape her with his fingers on purpose. And he said something about making them notice. Maybe he's trying to make it look like a gay person rape this girl. Or a trans person. It's all over Fox News that trans people rape children which we know isn't true. So maybe this person is trying to show the fake news is real." Torres explained. "Well that would be an extreme view but I can see what you are trying to say. And we can look into that. We can also look for cameras on the street the victim was attacked on looking for the van. Let's get to work." Voight ordered as the team got to work.
Kim headed to the break room to brew a cup of tea needing to calm her mind. She was surprised when Torres followed her. "Hey I didn't mean to upset you. I know these cases are very personal to you. And I would never want you to think I was minimizing what happened to that girl. It just doesn't seem like he was assaulting her because he got off to it. I just thought something deeper was going on." He paused seeing her turn around not sure if she was going to yell at him or not. "Look I get what you were trying to say. But you need to work things better sometimes. Saying things like real rapist makes it sound like some things are not real rape. As woman we have to listen to old white men in congress tell us that if we get pregnant from a rape it wasn't a real rape. In real rape the body doesn't release an egg. And if the woman has an orgasm that it's not a real rape because the body wouldn't allow that if you really didn't want it. So while I understand what you are saying please just work on your verbiage. Other than that, we are good. Let's just catch this piece of shit." Kim headed back to her desk again.
Adam had watched the whole thing. He watched her nod as she took her seat. As the team worked they found several cameras on the street that saw the van used in the attack. They got the name of the attacker and got a warrant to search his home. The whole team headed out to the address. "Did you rip him a new one?" Antonio asked as he drove. "No. Just explained why I got upset. And how using the word real with rape is triggering. And how woman are under attack right now. He seemed to get it. I just asked him to work on his verbiage a bit. It's all good." Kim shrugged a bit. "I hear you. He's new so we will work with him on that. Just keep staying focused." He watched her nod. The teams split up covering all the exits just in case. The perp was home and forced to let the team in while patrol kept their eyes on him.
Everyone searching the house trying to find any evidence that he is the rapist. "Boss I think we found something." Jay yelled from the back office. Voight followed the voice finding a room full of anti trans propaganda. It was brutal seeing it all on display before them. "Alright bring him in for questioning. Everyone keep looking." The team splits up again. Antonio ran towards Kim when he heard her gasp loudly. The running got everyone's attention. They all ran towards her. She was just staring at the closet floor. "Kim are you okay." Adam asked. "That bastard did it!" She pointed to the wig on the floor. "We don't know that yet. But it seems likely. Let's get this processed and head back to the district. We can figure it out from there." They allowed forensics to finish up as they left the property.
They arrived back at the district ready to close this case. "I don't think you should interrogate him Kim. I think you are too wound up. Let us do this. You handle the victim, let us handle the perpetrators okay?" Voight watched her nod reluctantly. "Okay. Al follow me. We are finishing this." They walked off leaving the team behind trying to find more evidence to make the case 100% concrete. Kim was sulking in her chair. She really wanted to be in there fighting for Bella but she understood. A tea was placed in front of her. She looks up seeing Erin standing there. "I get it. I really do. But they have this. I promise we got this." Kim nodded knowing Erin was right. "Thank you. It's just hard giving up the control. I'm used to having to do it all with rape cases." She explained knowing that's how it always worked before. "Oh I get that too. And normally you would be in there but rape cases are a trigger for you. So this is for the best." Erin watched her nod again leaving Kim to work again.
The team added to the evidence board as the perp was being interrogated. When Voight and Al came out they saw all the evidence collected. "Alright he's not talking but we can see he's the guy. Can we get the girl down here to ID him?" He asked looking towards Kim. "I will call social services and see if they can bring her down here." Kim picked up the phone making the call. "Does he really think we don't know he did it?" Adam asked. "He wants to bring awareness to an issue than is a non issue. But he won't admit that he did it. So let's keep working it." Voight answered. "Okay so they are going to bring her here. I hope she is strong enough for this." They all knew it was hard for adults let alone children to identify their attacker. "She can do it. She was strong enough to go to the hospital so she can do this too. And she has you." Antonio said knowing Kim really helped the victim feel comfortable in the hospital.
The team waited for Bella to arrive. They kept working while they waited. As soon as she arrived Kim was up and waiting for her. "Bella hey. How are you doing?" Kim asked gently. "Okay I guess. Um what's going on?" Bella asked nervously. "Well we think we have your attacker. He won't admit to it but we were hoping you could identify him. He won't be able to see you. Can you do that?" Kim asked carefully. Kim watched Bella shake with fear. Kim held her close trying to calm her. "Okay. Just stay close please?" She asked softly. "Of course. I will be right there beside you. Are you ready?" Kim asked. Once Bella nodded Kim led her to the viewing room. They headed inside Bella trembling in fear. Kim held her tight. "You can do this! I will be right here. But you got this!" Kim whispered. "Okay Bella can you look through this window and tell me if that is your attacker or not." Voight asked softly knowing he has to be gentle.
They waited on bated breath. "Yes. Yes that's him. Is he going to jail now?" She looked up full of hope. "Yes. He's going to jail now. I am so proud of you! You are so strong! Let's get you out of this room." Kim led her out of the room. Her social worker was waiting for her. "She did great. She's an incredible woman." Kim stated to her worker. "She is. Let's get you home." The ladies left leaving the team behind. "Alright we are sending him to a holding cell. Once he's in Statesville he will probably confess. But we are done for tonight. Everyone good work. Go home!" Voight let them leave for the night. The team packed up for the night and headed out. Most headed to the bar. Kim only wanted to be with her children. Adam understood completely. They headed home in silence. He also knew she was hungry.
As they entered the home Kim headed right to her kids room. She opened the door heading in looking at their sleeping forms. She kissed their foreheads softly before sitting in the room with her back against the wall. Adam found her sitting there. Exactly where he thought she would be. He handed her a bowl of food left over for dinner. "Please eat. You can sit here and eat but you need to eat." He watched her nod. He sat next to her eating his own bowl of food. He noticed her bowl empty so took the empty bowls to the kitchen before he carried her to bed. "These cases are always the worst. But she got justice today. I was so proud of her for being so strong through this whole ordeal." Kim whispered as she laid in bed beside him. "You both did good Kim. You helped her. You held her strong. You knew how to reach her. Just know she has a good support system and she will get the help she needs. And you are safe too. And so are the babies. So let's get some sleep tonight." Held her tight in his arms knowing he could shield her from the world here in their bed.
As they drifted off to sleep she whispered one final I love you before she was fully asleep. Adam kissed her head repeating the same before he fell asleep. Both knowing this home was safe from the outside world that was ugly and downright cruel. Both knowing the family they created was safe here and protected. And they could face it all together.