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| "Dad!" Christiana called, running up to him. He stared at her in confusion. "What's the matter?" he asked. Before she could reply, Maddie turned the corner. Harm could tell she was extremely upset about something. "That reporter from channel 8 news is here. She was trying to get Maddie to talk to her." Harm picked up his youngest daughter. She clung tightly to him as he turned to face the nurse. "Could you see about getting her removed from the hospital?" "Of course, Mr. Rabb," she replied. "I'll go right now. The doctor should be in the room." "Thank you." Christiana looked up at him. "Go check on your sisters and brother. I'll keep Maddie with me." Christiana nodded. "Okay." "Maddie," Harm said. "Yeah?" she asked, not lifting her head. "We're going in to see Mommy now. She'll probably look sick so you don't have to look at her right now. I have to talk to the doctor, though, so I can know how she's doing." "She'll be okay?" Harm took a deep breath and turned the doorknob. "We'll find out soon, honey." Doctor Brent looked up from the chart he was making notes in. He could see the shock on the man's face. He would feel the same way if he saw his wife in this condition. "I take it you spoke with the police?" he asked. Harm nodded slowly. "Then you know--" "Wait," Harm said. The doctor nodded in understanding. He changed his mind about having Maddie with him. Harm opened the door and spotted a nurse at the front desk. "Excuse me, could you keep an eye on her for me?" The woman smiled warmly. "Of course." "Daddy?' Harm kissed her on the cheek. "I'll be right out to get you, Maddie. I just need to talk to the doctor about Mommy." "Okay," she replied. "I love you!" "I love you too, baby." Harm entered the room again, this time purposely looking away from Mac. "I'm sorry about that, Doctor Brent. I didn't want her to hear this just yet." "It's quite all right, Mr. Rabb." "The police told me that if they hadn't gotten there in time, the men would have... would have raped her." Doctor Brent nodded. "She has a slight concussion, a few broken ribs, and a broken arm." "God," Harm whispered, holding back his tears. "How long before she regains consciousness?" "She should before the end of the day. I'd like to keep her hear for a few days to monitor her vital signs, but I don't believe it will have to be more than a week." Harm thanked Doctor Brent, who had to leave and go on rounds. He slowly walked over to Mac's side and took her hand in his. "I'm sorry I wasn't there to protect you," he said, kissing her lips. "I love you, Sarah." ************** Evelyn, Nicholas, and the twins found Maddie sitting with a nurse. "Where's Dad?" Evelyn asked. "With Mommy," she answered. "He let me see her for a little then told me to come out here and tell the nurse to get you guys." Nicholas looked at the door. "Can we go in?" Maddie nodded. "Yeah, Daddy said to bring you in. Thank you, Alice." "You're welcome, dear," Alice replied. "You know where to find me if you need me." Alice watched as the five children filed into the small room. She offered a prayer for each of them and their parents then went back to work. |
