Chapter 6

36 hours later

Emily was sat on the chair next to Stacey's hospital bed, her legs crossed, glasses perched on the bridge of her nose as she read her book. Stacey hadn't woken since Emily had brought her back up from the storage room but the doctors had assured Emily and Garcia that the young girl was ok and that finally she felt safe enough to rest and heal.

Stacey shuffled in the bed, her fingers caressing the soft material that was draped over her as her eyes slowly opened and her mind tried to make sense of where she was.

Emily caught sight of Stacey's eyes opening as she put her book down and leaned forward towards the young girl.

"Hi Stacey, are you ok?"

Emily smiled softly as she moved her glasses to on top of her head and watched as Stacey opened her eyes wider and blinked a few times.

"You, you're still here?"

Stacey looked confused as her fingers wrapped tighter around Emily's coat as she fondled the material and buttons.

"You're in different clothes, what? What day is it?"

Emily smiled as she reached and put a hand on top of Stacey's.

"It's Thursday sweetheart."

Stacey frowned as she looked up at Emily before her gaze dropped down to Emily's coat.

"Your coat, I'm so sorry, please take it."

"It's ok Stacey I have another one look."

Emily's voice was quiet and soft as she gestured to the back of the chair she was sitting on and the other coat that was draped over it.

"It's fine for you to have it Stacey, if it helps you."

Stacey kept her gaze looking down, her fingers stroking the soft material.

"It, it does, thank you. It doesn't smell like here or anywhere else."

"Well then that's good. Look I am just going to go and find the doctor and get you checked over but I'll be right back."

Emily smiled as she stroked Stacey's hands, watching as the young girl nodded her head.

Thirty minutes later Emily was still sat beside Stacey, allowing the girl a bit of time to compose herself and adjust once again.

"Emily?"

Stacey's voice was quiet as Emily moved her gaze to look at the girl.

"Yes."

"Can I ask you something?"

Emily smiled softly as she leaned in a little closer, pleased that Stacey felt comfortable enough to talk to her.

"Of course sweetheart."

"Can I ask you a favour please?"

Stacey looked up at Emily before she brought her gaze back down to the bed. Emily reached and took a hold of Stacey's hands, stroking them gently.

"My stuff, it's hidden away, can you check it's safe for me?"

Emily went to speak but then more words tumbled out of Stacey's mouth.

"It's ok don't worry I'll get it when I am out of here."

"Hey Stacey, sweetie, no please look at me."

Emily waited a few seconds until Stacey brought her gaze up and Emily could tell she was trying to hold the tears in.

"Here put the address in and I'll go and get everything for you."

Emily smiled as she passed her cell over and watched as Stacey typed something in before she passed it back to Emily, a few tears trickling down her face as she spoke.

"On the fourth floor of the building, in the room with no windows, there is an old freezer with a combination lock on it. I made a note of everything for you."

"Not a problem sweetheart, I'll get everything for you."

Emily reached up and gently brushed the tears away from Stacey's face and saw that she looked tired once again.

"Look Stacey, close your eyes once again, I'm right here, get some rest please."

There was a soft sound of needles clicking as Garcia sat knitting and watching Stacey, when finally the young girl's eyes flickered open and a little look of surprise came across her face as she saw Garcia smiling back at her.

"Hey sweetie, it's great to see you. Emily's gone to get your belongings so I thought I'd keep you company."

Stacey managed a small smile back as she shifted uncomfortably in the bed.

"Hang on sweetie let me help you."

Garcia put her knitting down as she helped Stacey sit upright and take a sip of water.

"Better?"

"Much, thank you."

Stacey smiled in appreciation as Garcia bent down and brought a bag up and gently placed it on the bed, away from touching Stacey before Garcia pulled out a sketchbook and some pencils.

"Here I thought that these might help you pass the time."

Stacey's eyes opened wide and a small smile crossed her face.

"Wow this is amazing, thank you so much."

"You're welcome sweetie, your drawing was amazing and you are really talented. I wanted you to have something nice after all the help you gave us."

Stacey's cheeks reddened at the compliment, not used to anyone being nice to her.

"Thanks."

Garcia grinned once again as she picked up her knitting and watched as Stacey carefully opened the sketchbook and started to draw.

Emily sat in her car, staring ahead as she thought about who to call, but she decided to go with her first thought and hoped that he would answer.

"Alvez."

"Hi Luke. Are you busy for the next hour?"

"Hmm sounds like you are after a favour Emily, but seeing as you're my boss, of course what do you need?"

Emily laughed softly as she shook her head.

"I need to do Stacey Ellis a favour and could do with some support."

"Well if that is the case not a problem, what do you need?"

Emily relayed the address to him before she finished the call and started the car.

Emily heard a knock on her window and as she turned she smiled and gestured for Luke to come and sit in the passenger seat.

"Thanks for coming Luke."

Emily passed Luke a coffee which he gratefully accepted.

"Stacey's belongings are in that building over there, she has them locked in an old freezer on the fourth floor. I didn't really want to go in on my own."

Luke took a sip of coffee as he nodded his head, he could see a couple of homeless people outside the building and that it was a sensible move to go in together.

"How is Stacey getting on?"

"She finally woke up this morning which I must say was a bit of a relief. To ask me to collect her stuff is a major breakthrough, I want to know what made her leave that foster home though."

"Yeah well if we can get her belongings safely stored that will help with building the trust. I hear Garcia has been helping you with Stacey."

Emily laughed softly at Luke's infectious smile.

"She's at the hospital now, she's been amazing."

Emily patted Luke's leg as the two of them got out of the vehicle and walked towards the rundown building.

Carefully they made their way up to the fourth floor, ignoring the shouts, abandoned needles and unconscious bodies. Emily shivered slightly as she entered the room, there was a coldness and bleakness to it. Luke tapped Emily on the arm as he pointed towards a large freezer, walking over Emily had memorised the code as she lifted it open.

"Is this it?"

Luke's voice was full of sadness as he caught sight of a sleeping bag and a small rucksack.

"I guess so."

Emily shook her head as she grabbed the rucksack while Luke picked up the sleeping bag. Silently they both left the building and headed back to Emily's car as she opened her trunk up.

"Thanks for the help Luke, I really appreciate it."

"Not a problem Emily, please give me a shout if you or Stacey need anything else."

Emily smiled as she sat back in the car and started to drive home. It was late and there was no chance that she could get back to the hospital instead she sent Garcia a message.

I have Stacey's belongings, can you let her know I will take them back to mine to keep them safe.

She says thank you and could you possibly bring her rucksack tomorrow?

Of course I'll be there about 9am. Is she ok?

Quiet but she has been drawing.

Emily smiled as she pulled into her driveway, it was only a small step forward but they were making progress nonetheless.