Page 39 of Flame's Fight

“Let’s try the parallel bars next.” Tanya suggests.

I make several passes, most of which I can accomplish using just one hand. Since my left leg is the only one still a little wobbly. When she calls an end to the test, she’s all smiles. I’m happy that I don’t feel tired or out of breath. I assumed I’d be more out of shape after spending so many days in a hospital bed.

“That was great.” Tanya says, handing me a cane. “Let’s see how you do with just the cane. Walk between the bars in case you need to grab hold.”

I do what she says and turn to see all three of them grinning at me.

“You can ditch the wheelchair and use the cane. You need to keep building your strength. Let me show you how to fall. It will help ensure you don’t cause injuries.”

Once she’s giving me some tips on falling, it’s time for her next patient.

Ghost tucks his phone back into his pocket.

“Caitlin wants us to come to Crossroads later because Athena will be there.” Ghost says. “Also, Maestro reached his step-father, Alexander Marquette, and he’s agreed to give a tour of the building next to Crossroads. Tally and Caitlin are really excited about seeing it.”

I glance at Brooke, who has a look of longing on her face. “We can go by there after your interview at the police station.” I tell her. She nods and gives me a smile.

“Yeah. I’d like that. I’m curious to see Crossroads and I was super excited about Vance’s idea for a clinic. The goal behind it is very intriguing.” Brooke says.

“What did you think about his claim that hospitals don’t always give enough respect to the victims?” Tanya asks. “You work in one. Does that really happen?”

Brooke nods. “More than I care to admit. I mean, most doctors and nurses are kind, but you get the occasional asshole who seems to take pleasure in making a difficult situation even worse. My heart breaks for every rape victim we’ve treated, but I’ve watched a couple doctors tell a victim that she doesn’t look or act like a rape victim. Like they’re all supposed to look and act the same.”

“Fuckers.” I spit out. “Who are they? Do they still work there?”

She shakes her head. “No. One of them was Kevin Marshall, and we already knew he was the biggest asshole around. We had another one. I can’t remember his name. Gina told me about him. She went to his boss and told him what had happened. I think he was an intern. He didn’t last more than a day or two.”

“Good.”

“The worst are the cops.” Brooke continues. “Not all of them. Of course. But it is one reason I want to meet with this detective today. We’ve had cops try to talk the victims out of pressing charges. Tried to make them feel guilty about ruining the lives of these men. As if they hadn’t already tried to ruin the life of the woman. I just don’t understand it.”

I glance at Ghost, and he looks as angry as I feel. I have two sisters and a mother, all of whom I love. The thought of someone hurting them like that makes me want to do more than just ruin the lives of those bastards.

“We need to get Crossroads built, and the clinic established.” I say, pounding my fist against my leg. “We need to think of how we can help these women so that they don’t feel alone.”

“Hey. Are you alright?” Ghost asks, kneeling in front of a crying Tanya. “I’m sorry. Were we being callous?”

She shakes her head and touches her fingers lightly to his face. “No. You weren’t. You are all amazing. After what happened to me, I felt alone. I talked to the police and some of them berated me for lying about that bastard. Said he was a man of God and that I was hurting his image.”

“He’s no man of God. He’s scum.” I say and Ghost nods.

“I know. You’re right. I just wish I had a place like Crossroads to go to and friends like you to support me. I’m lucky I found Athena. She’s helped me so much. Mostly with gaining back my confidence.” Tanya says.

Ghost brushes her hair away from her face. “You have every right to be confident. You’re amazing, and as beautiful on the inside and the outside. You’re strong and you help others. I’m grateful for every minute we get to be together.”

Tanya leans her forehead against Ghost’s. I can see a single tear slip down her cheek. I glance at Brooke, who is smiling at them. “We should get going. I want to get over to Crossroads.” Brooke says, glancing at her watch.

I nod and grab my cane while Brooke pushes the wheelchair outside to the SUV.

“I need to return this to the hospital.” Brooke says, grinning at me. “You weren’t supposed to take it home with you.”

I shrug as I climb inside. Axel’s our driver, so I tell him to stop at the hospital before we hit the police station.

“Are you coming in or are you going to wait out here?” Brooke asks as we pull into the police station’s parking lot. “Because I’m fine if you don’t want to come in.”

“I’m coming in, but I’ll leave my kutte in the cage.” I tell her as I climb out with my cane. Just being out of the wheelchair has me feeling whole again. Now to just work on losing the cane.

Inside, I find a couple of empty seats together and claim one while Brooke speaks to the desk sergeant. A door opens and I see her dad walk through. He waves at her before coming over to me. He shakes my hand and nods at Brooke.

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