Chapter 5
Kim waited in the hospital room with Erin, who was staring blankly into space. The younger woman sat in a chair, her gaze fixed on the brunette, determined to offer support.
They were awaiting Maggie's return to provide an update. Erin had undergone X-rays of her stomach and rib cage. The medical staff had discussed the necessity of a rape kit, but Erin's consent was crucial.
Kim understood the challenge of asking Erin about the rape kit. The older detective was known for her resistance to such procedures.
"Erin?" Kim called softly, hoping to break through her reverie. But the brunette remained lost in thought, her expression inscrutable.
Kim rose from her seat, concern etching across her face. Swallowing hard, she approached the older woman, noticing the blankness in Erin's hazel eyes. "Erin!" she exclaimed, her voice firmer.
Erin gazed vacantly, lost in her own thoughts as flashes of events haunted her mind. She moistened her lips and stared blankly at the wall.
A touch on her arm startled Erin. "Erin!" Kim's voice carried a hint of concern. Erin shook her head, trying to clear her disoriented thoughts.
"Are you okay?" Kim asked, taking a seat beside her.
Erin nodded slowly. "Yes, I'm fine," she said, inhaling deeply. "Do you know how much longer this will take?"
Kim shook her head. "I don't know for sure." She paused. "But you know these things take time."
Erin sighed, longing to return home and escape the burden of the day. She closed her eyes, seeking momentary respite.
Kim watched the anxious brunette, "Erin, you know they're going to want you to submit to the rape kit."
"I know, and I'm not," Erin stated adamantly.
"But you have to, Erin!" Kim protested, determined. Voight had instructed her to ensure Erin underwent a medical examination, but she sensed she might not succeed.
Erin met Kim's gaze and shook her head. "I can't," she said, swallowing hard. "I've already said too much." Her eyes dropped to the floor.
"What do you mean?" Kim asked.
"Did this guy threaten you?" Kim wondered if Erin was hiding something.
Erin bit her lip and shook her head, realizing she needed to stop talking. Kim meant well, but she didn't want any further repercussions. "No, but I know I need to get out of here!" she said.
Kim watched as Erin gathered her jacket and keys. "Erin, you can't just leave."
"Watch me!" Erin said, opening the door. "Maggie can just call me with the results!"
Kim bit her lip. "But Voight told me to make sure you get everything checked out." She followed Erin out of the room.
Erin shrugged. "Then we can come up with a lie," she said. The brunette had a knack for convincing Voight. "Besides, a little white lie won't hurt."
Kim hesitated. She didn't want to upset Erin, but she also didn't want to disobey Voight. "Come on, Erin, at least wait until we get the X-rays. I promise I'll go along with whatever lie you want to tell him about the kit."
Erin considered it. "Alright, fine. Let's go find Maggie." She headed towards the front desk. "Hey, April, where's Maggie with my X-rays?"
April looked at Erin, clearly not pleased that she wasn't in her hospital room. "Erin, you're supposed to stay in there."
"I want to go home," Erin stated firmly. "Either give me my results now, or I'll leave and you can mail them to Hank and me." She paused, staring at them expectantly.
Kim hesitated, torn between supporting Erin and following Voight's orders. But she knew that pushing Erin would only alienate her further.
"Okay," Kim said, turning to April. "Just do what she asks."
April protested, "But you told us to conduct every test, including a rape kit."
"I know," Kim replied, "but Erin doesn't want one. She just wants to go home."
Erin leaned forward, her eyes locked with April's. "I'm fine," she said resolutely. "I don't need a rape kit. I just want to go home. Now, get Maggie and bring me my results."
"I'll deal with the consequences later," Erin added, her voice tinged with desperation. "I just need to get home."
April swallowed as she saw Maggie heading towards them. She realized that the other doctor had just entered Erin's room and found the detective gone. "Maggie!" April exclaimed as her friend reached her.
"Erin, why are you out of your room?" Maggie asked, clearly not happy about Erin's departure.
"I'm going home," Erin declared.
Kim looked to Maggie. "Do you have the results?" she inquired. "Erin wants to go home and rest," she added.
Maggie sighed, recognizing that she couldn't argue with Erin and Kim. "Yes, I have the results here, along with some prescriptions," she said, handing the paperwork to Erin. "You have a few cracked ribs, so you must take it easy for several weeks. The bruises should heal on their own within a few days if you keep icing them."
Erin nodded and accepted the paperwork. "What about the kit?" Maggie questioned.
"I'm not taking it. I'll be alright," Erin declared, turning away from the doctors. "Someone who needs it should have the kits."
Kim followed Erin through the double doors, where the rest of her team and several members of Firehouse 51 were waiting. "What are you doing here?" Erin inquired, approaching Kelly.
"I heard what happened and came to ensure your well-being," Kelly explained.
"Gabby and Kelly intended to visit you at the district, but you and Kim left and ended up here," Jay clarified. Erin nodded in understanding.
"As you can see, I'm fine," Erin stated. "Just a few cracked ribs and bruises, which will heal in a few weeks. No need for concern."
Erin proceeded past the group towards the exit. "What about the kit?" Voight asked, causing her to pause.
Kim stood behind Erin, " She already took it." She said coming up with a lie like she said she would, " It'll be in a few days, they're a bit backed up." She said.
Erin looked at Voight hoping that'll would make everyone to back off, " See, now can I go?" She asked forcing herself to sound tired, " I'll tired so I want to go home and get some rest, it's been a long day." She said.
" Okay, kiddo get some rest, and take it easy for the next few weeks," Voight said, " But I want Kim to stay with you just to make sure your okay." He said, and Erin nodded not wanting to fight with him, happy that he was buying the lie about the kit.
Erin sighed, " Okay, let's go Kim." She said walking out of the hospital leaving the team behind with the younger woman following behind her.
Kim stood behind Erin. "She already took it," she said, concocting a lie as planned. "It'll be in a few days. They're a bit backed up."
Erin glanced at Voight, hoping her words would persuade the team to leave her alone. "Can I go now?" she asked, feigning exhaustion. "I'm tired and want to go home and rest. It's been a long day."
"Alright, kiddo. Get some rest and take it easy for the next few weeks," Voight replied. "But I want Kim to stay with you to ensure your safety."
Erin nodded, unwilling to argue, and relieved that her deception about the kit had been successful.
With a sigh, Erin said, "Okay, let's go, Kim." She exited the hospital, the team watching as the younger woman followed after her.
The duo reached Erin's Jeep and climbed inside. Erin took the passenger seat, allowing Kim to drive them to her apartment.
