Page 9 of Beneath the Surface

Isobel took a seat opposite Emma, her demeanor calm and approachable. "Emma, I know it’s not easy to talk about these things, but I'm here to listen and help in any way I can. Whateveryou say here is important, and I want to make sure your voice is heard."

Emma nodded, her eyes fixed on a spot on the carpet. Isobel gave her a moment before speaking again. "Can you tell me a bit about how you're feeling, Emma? About everything that's been going on?"

Emma took a deep breath, her voice barely above a whisper. "I'm scared. I don't want to be sick again."

Isobel nodded, her expression empathetic. "That’s completely understandable. It’s a very tough situation. What are you most scared about?"

Emma’s eyes welled up with tears. "The treatments hurt. And... and my mom and dad are always fighting about it. They don’t ask me what I want."

Ms. Reed squeezed Emma's shoulder gently. Isobel leaned in slightly, her voice soft. "What do you want, Emma?"

Emma hesitated, glancing at her guardian ad litem for comfort. Ms. Reed nodded encouragingly. "It’s okay, Emma. You can tell Isobel anything."

"I want... I want to be happy. I want to go to school and hang out with my friends. I don't want to die," Emma's voice broke, and a tear slipped down her cheek.

Isobel felt a pang in her heart. "Emma, it's very brave of you to share that with me. I know your parents love you very much and want what's best for you. It's important they understand how you feel."

Emma wiped her tears with the back of her hand. "Dad thinks I should keep doing all the treatments, but they make me so sick. Mom says maybe I should stop if it's too much. I don't know what to do."

Isobel nodded. "It's a difficult choice, and it’s not fair that your parents are making you decide. We’re here to help you and your parents make the best decision for you. It's important theyknow how the treatments make you feel. And it’s important for you to understand the value of each treatment. Would you like for your doctors and Ms. Reed and me to speak with you? Ms. Reed can arrange that if you want."

Emma looked at Isobel. “You’ll do that?”

“Yes.” Isobel smiled.

Ms. Reed spoke up, her voice gentle but firm. "Emma has been very brave through all of this. She needs her parents to work together for her sake, not against each other."

“Emma, tell me what it’s like at your mom’s and dad’s houses?”

Emma looked down. “Dad and his girlfriend have a condo. I have my own room. And they have a cat and a dog.” She smiled. “We make dinner, watch movies. They let my friends come over. And when I’m scared or don’t feel good, Dad sleeps in my blow-up chair beside me.”

She held the teddy bear tightly. “Mom has the house Dad and she used to live in. Mom and I used to do things together. But since her boyfriend moved in, we have dinner, and then I’m sent to my room. They either hang out in their room doing it—they’re noisy. Or they go to his club.”

“What happens if you don’t feel well?” Isobel asked.

“I don’t tell her. She gets upset,” Emma said.

Isobel nodded. "Emma, would you feel comfortable if I talked to your parents about what you’ve shared with me today? I think it’s important they hear it from you, but I can help make that conversation happen."

Emma nodded slowly. "Okay. But can you tell them to stop fighting? It makes everything worse."

"I will do my best," Isobel promised. "Your feelings are very important, and I’ll make sure they understand that. And we’ll talk more about your fears."

Emma managed a small smile. "Thank you."

Isobel smiled back. "You’re very welcome, Emma.”

As the interview concluded, Isobel’s stomach grumbled, a combination of the responsibility she carried as well as how hungry she was. She realized she hadn’t eaten anything since dinner the night before.

After the emotionally charged interview, Isobel returned to her desk. She needed a moment to decompress and refuel. She called her assistant to ask if she wanted anything. She gave her a quick no. Then she called her favorite deli down the street, ordering her usual salad and a sandwich for delivery. It was a small comfort.

While waiting for her food, Isobel decided to make some important calls. She dialed her sister Ruth, a formidable defense attorney who had been by her side when Detective Larson brought her in for questioning.

"Ruthie,” she greeted her sister warmly.

"How are you holding up?" Ruth's voice was both concerned and professional.

"Okay. I have a busy workday. I’d like to talk about the new murders. I was hoping you could get some information about what the police have. Can we meet sometime today? I’ll bring the original case file."

---