The next morning, the brother and sister returned to the hospital at dawn, bringing a homemade breakfast. After an uneventful start to the morning, they saw Lucy arrive, dressed in civilian clothes, radiant, and carrying more of the child's personal belongings.
— Good morning, how are you? asked the beautiful brunette, greeting Genny warmly and then tenderly embracing Tim. After that, she went to greet the little girl, handing her some items. It was actually the few things in good condition that she had been able to find in the apartment. There was a small rabbit-shaped backpack, a couple of books, some clothes, and toiletries.
Examining what Lucy had brought, the young girl took out a coloring book with an ocean theme and her crayons and began to occupy herself under the watchful eyes of the adults in the room.
After a while, they stepped out for a moment to talk.
— Thank you for the things, the more familiar objects she has, the more it should help her feel at home, whispered Tim. The loving look he gave her without even realizing it made his sister smile.
— No problem. The apartment has been thoroughly searched, and Mark said we could clear it out, so I took everything that was in good condition and informed Isabel's parents. I don't think they should go there given the state of the place, but I told them we would bring them any personal effects they might be interested in. Nyla also said she would bring you some of Lyla's old clothes so you have a change of clothes until you have time to go shopping, the young woman announced.
— That's very kind of her. You're all amazing. It's true that it won't be a luxury given the lack of things. I'm going shopping this afternoon, so if there's anything you think would be useful, don't hesitate, declared Genny.
— For now, we'll mainly buy the essentials and see about the rest in a few days. I think it's better if she can choose her own things, especially for decorating her future room, Tim said.
— That's an excellent idea. In any case, if it helps, she seems to like animals and the ocean, Officer Chen announced. Tim was about to say something when they saw the ward doctor and the social worker arrive.
— Sergeant Bradford, we were looking for you. We have some good news to share. Could we discuss in private? the doctor began.
— We can talk here, there's no problem.
— We discussed Rose's case with several doctors and nurses this morning. After several examinations, we found that despite the conditions in which she was raised, your daughter is in relatively good health. The poorly healed fractures should not cause her any problems in her daily life. She was apparently vaccinated as a child and does not seem to have any particular pathology. Apart from the malnutrition and deficiencies we observed, there is nothing to report. This should actually resolve itself with a balanced diet. So, we think she could go home with you as early as tonight, he announced.
— But that's wonderful news, they exclaimed in unison.
— I spoke with my superiors, and there will be no problem with Rose's custody, which will be automatically granted to you. However, we have a concern we need to discuss. Given what she seems to have experienced, it seems necessary for her to receive psychological support, the social worker explained in a very caring manner.
— Of course, there are many things to sort out in a short time, but it's obvious that I will do everything necessary for Rose to heal physically and emotionally, Tim replied, with many questions in his mind.
— That's what I thought. There are some administrative forms to fill out. I will invite you to follow me, the young woman concluded. Tim, Genny, and Lucy exchanged a glance, and when the policeman understood that they would stay with Rose, he followed the young woman confidently.
Meanwhile, the two young women went to get a coffee and chat.
— I still can't believe Isabel kept Tim from his child. It's completely crazy. I mean… I never would have thought her capable of mistreating her child like that. But he's great with her.
— It's true that it's pretty crazy, but he's going to be an absolutely wonderful dad.
— There's no doubt about that. And he's well-supported. That's essential when you're a parent, especially when you have to learn everything on the fly. I really wanted to thank you for everything you've done. He's lucky to have you, and I know you mean a lot to him, the redhead smiled, with an idea in mind, which did not escape her interlocutor.
— I'll stop you right there. We're just friends. He's my superior and he has a girlfriend…
— Whom we haven't seen a single time since the beginning, while you've been taking care of him. If that's not a sign, I don't know what is.
— Genny, we're just friends, she sighed, knowing she wasn't entirely wrong.
— Well, if you say so, I won't insist, the redhead concluded, not wanting her friend to shut down.
The two young women continued to chat for a few more minutes before returning to the room to keep Rose company. Once Tim returned, they explained everything to the child, who nodded in agreement without speaking. Then, Genny left to organize her return home, and Lucy went to work.
Lunch went smoothly, as did the early afternoon. After a while, Nolan and Nyla arrived at the hospital. At first, the two police officers hesitated to enter the room for fear of frightening the little girl, but their colleague signaled them to come in. They did so without discussion.
The blond made the introductions under Rose's shy gaze. The child was visibly impressed and reassured by their police uniforms. After all, she had been saved by police officers.
— I brought you clothes in several sizes since I wasn't sure which one to take. Plus, I figured Rose would quickly grow and regain her strength. Besides, there's a bit of everything, so she can take what she likes best.
— Thank you, that's very kind. Please thank Lyla for me as well.
— No problem. She was delighted to help, especially when I explained the situation. After all, it's not like she'll be wearing them again, and the little one still has some time before she reaches that size, the young mother explained, tenderly caressing her belly. Calmly, she approached the bed and took out some clothes to show the adorable blonde. For several minutes, they looked at them in silence.
Meanwhile, Tim and Nolan stepped aside to talk quietly.
— So, Dad, how are you feeling?
— I feel like I'm out of my body, it's crazy. I really don't know where to start, there's so much to do. I've always wanted to have children, but I always thought I'd have time to prepare. I'm not sure I'm up to the task, Tim confided, surprised at how much he was opening up to John. On the other hand, his subordinate had been a father, and his help would surely be invaluable.
— It's not the ideal situation, that's for sure, and Rose will have special needs given what she's been through, but in any case, no one is ever ready to become a parent. As long as you do your best to take care of her every day, everything will be fine. I'm sure you'll be a great father. Everyone at the station thinks so.
— I imagine I'm the favorite topic of conversation for that bunch of gossips.
— That's true, but for what it's worth, it's all good things. Everyone has let us know they'll be there to help if needed, and they're going all out to find Isabel's killer.
— That's very kind. Do you have any news on the investigation?
— We're exploring all leads, but I must say that since she relapsed, she's been hanging out with some pretty unsavory characters. Some of her ex-boyfriends were real jerks.
— Nolan, I need to know. Do any of them have a history of pedophilia? the policeman asked anxiously. Just thinking about it made him want to vomit, but Tim needed to know what to expect to help her as best he could.
— No, none. There are a lot of dealers, bookmakers with a history of violence, but nothing more. However, it's still likely that one of them hit her.
— I really hope I don't get my hands on one of them.
— I understand, but don't worry about the investigation. We're taking care of everything. The only thing you need to focus on now is Rose.
— I know, and I intend to, he affirmed determinedly.
After this discussion, John and Nyla stayed a few more minutes and then left to work. Then, towards the end of the afternoon, Tim gathered all of his daughter's belongings into a travel bag, signed the discharge papers, and announced to the little girl that it was time to leave.
Calmly, the blonde dressed in the clothes that had been brought for her. She stood by the door, clutching her stuffed animal tightly in her arms and looking at her father.
When he understood that she was ready to follow him, the sergeant headed towards the exit. They walked quietly side by side down the hallways. The little girl walked, observing her surroundings with great attention, as if she expected a threat to appear at any moment. She did not initiate physical contact with her father, did not try to take his hand. Nevertheless, she made sure to stay very close to him, as if she sensed that he would do everything to protect her if needed.
Once in the parking lot, he put her in the back of his pickup truck, where Genny had installed a car seat. They drove in silence to the sound of children's music, a playlist also created by his sister.
About fifteen minutes later, they arrived in the driveway of their house. When she got out of the car, Rose looked at the place in amazement. She had never seen such a large and charming place.
— This is also your home now. Aunt Genny is already here, but there's someone else I'd like you to meet, Tim announced, understanding her surprise. After all, given where she had grown up, this neighborhood must have seemed like a palace to her.
The duo entered the house quietly, with the little blonde still very observant. The place seemed much cleaner and cozier than anything she had known before. Just a few moments after arriving, they could hear Genny grumbling.
— No, Kojo, wait, she shouted, apparently unable to get him to obey, but she followed him anyway. The dog ran towards his master and jumped on him and the little girl to greet them.
The brother and sister were about to yell at him but stopped short. She was laughing. Rose was laughing while cuddling Kojo, who was licking her face. They couldn't believe their eyes. It was the first time they had heard the sound of her voice, and it was incredibly cute.
A few moments later, they stopped playing, and Rose looked at them with a slight smile on her face. Deciding that they shouldn't make too much of it to avoid overwhelming her, they continued the tour of the house.
Tim opened the door to the last unexplored room.
— Here, this will be your room. For now, it's just a guest room, so the decoration isn't fantastic, but as soon as possible, we'll go shopping together, and you can decorate it however you like. I want you to feel at home here, so if you want anything, don't hesitate to tell us, write it down, or show us. Okay? the blond asked, getting down to her level. She nodded gently.
The rest of the evening went smoothly. They had dinner, trying to create a bond. This eventful day ended with an exhausted little girl falling asleep on the couch. Tim carried her to bed and watched her sleep for a few moments.
He was so overwhelmed by all of this that he didn't say anything when his dog lay down in the little girl's bed. It clearly helped her feel at ease, and he certainly wasn't going to take that away from her, even if it went against his habits.
The policeman had no idea what the future held, particularly his role as a father. However, despite the complexity of the situation, he was looking forward to seeing how it would turn out.