“Mr. Patino?”
He nodded. “Rafael. Can you tell me what’s going on?”
She shook her head. “But if she wants you in there while she talks, that’s up to her. To be perfectly honest, we aren’t even sure what happened. Like I said, they need to examine her and she’s refusing.” She led him toward a set of large swinging doors.
“I’ve been her teacher for the past year. I’ve known something was up, but had been told no abuse could be found. But near the end of the school year, she opened up a little—just enough for me to know she was scared of getting her mom mad. I talked to the school counselor, Rita, and she may have made another call to you guys, but I’m not sure. There isn’t anything to pinpoint. I gather you can’t do much without evidence.”
“It’s the hardest part of my job,” she answered as they pushed through the doors.
Memories of his time in the ER came back to him. The large circular desk with white laminate countertops. The smell of cleaning solution. The hushed voices behind some of the blue-and-white-striped curtains. He’d lain in one of those beds for what seemed like hours while he was assessed and given pain meds. When Dustin had shown up, his face pale and drawn, Rafael had foolishly thought, in his pain-addled mind, his friend had feelings for him. He’d smiled so much the doctor had double-checked the dosage the nurse had given him.
“How did you get my number, Ms. Oliver? I never give it to students, so there’s no way Daisy would have known it.”
“She didn’t. But she was so insistent on you being here, I…called in a favor. My son works at KRVH Heartland Radio with Lucas Landry. I met his partner, Caleb, when they came to a barbecue and I remembered he worked for the high school. So I called my son, he called Lucas, and long story short, I got your number.”
“Pretty smart—and I’m glad he gave it out. I would have told him to do just that.”
Elaine gestured to the curtain on their right. “I have to warn you…she looks bad. And once I can get her to tell me what happened, she needs to be looked at and the police want to talk with her. I told them it could be a while before she was ready. They said they’d come back in about an hour. I have never crossed this line before and I may get a write-up in my file, but when she refused to talk unless you were here…well, I just knew she needed someone here she trusts.”
“I’m glad you went with your gut.”
“Now remember, she looks awful and it may be difficult for you.”
He swallowed hard, bracing himself for what he may see. He didn’t want to look horrified and scare Daisy, so he schooled his face as Elaine pulled back the curtain.
“Awful” hadn’t been the right word. “Dreadful” or “sickly” fit better. Daisy sat hunched over, her small body shaking. It looked like blood streaked her blonde hair and cheek. The left side of her mouth was swollen and cracked, and one of her eyes had puffed up with a black circle starting to form around it. She wrapped her arms around herself, as if holding herself together, mentally and physically. He also spotted blood on her pink T-shirt, ripped across the shoulder and sleeve. A blue hospital blanket covered her legs, but she continued to tremble as if freezing.
“Mr. Patino.” Her voice sounded small. Fragile.
He moved to the side of the bed and started to put his hand on her shoulder, but pulled back. He wasn’t sure where she was hurt and didn’t want to cause her any more pain. But she clearly wasn’t worried as she threw her arms around him, tucking her head against his chest. He held out his arms in surprise, still afraid to touch her.
Elaine offered a sad smile, tears in her eyes. She must have seen this kind of thing all the time, but this being new to him, it gutted him. Finally, he gently hugged her.
“Thank you,” she sniffled and wiped her eyes against his shirt. “I didn’t know who to call.”
“Hey, it’s okay. Of course I would be here if you needed me.” He glanced at Elaine, silently urging him to go on. “Daisy, I’m not sure what happened tonight, but from what I understand, you need to be examined. Can you do that?”
She shook her head and held on tighter. “I can’t, Mr. Patino. My mom will be so angry.” Her voice shook as it had in school when she’d confessed to breaking the tablet.
“Daisy, the people here will protect you. You’re safe.”
She tilted back her head and he nearly broke at her frightened expression.
“He tried to…to…and when I fought him, he punched me. He k-k-kicked my ribs. But I ran. I ran all the way to the school. I thought maybe you would be there. It’s stupid, really.” Her whole body heaved as she gulped air.
He rubbed circles on her back, hoping it helped. “No, not stupid at all. Breathe slowly, Daisy. Deep, slow breaths.” Soon, she began to calm and he decided to try again. “Can you please tell Elaine everything that happened? I can leave the room if you want, but it’s really important that you talk to her, okay?”
She tucked her head again and tightened her hold. But she also nodded her agreement. He waited a beat, then slowly pulled away. “I’ll let you have some privacy.”
“Can you wait, though? I mean, not in here, but come back after?”
He heard the panic in her voice and promised he’d return.
He glanced at Elaine before heading to the nearly empty waiting room. A man who appeared intoxicated lay across three of the seats, while a woman in a short leather skirt and white tank sat next to him, her head bobbing forward.
Rafael found a seat in the corner and leaned his head against the wall. He still wasn’t sure why Daisy had wanted him there. Every teacher she had, not to mention the administrative staff, cared about her. Yet for some reason, she’d connected with him. He was glad she was strong enough to ask for someone, though. Hearing just a little of what she’d said had torn him up. And to walk to the school? He wasn’t exactly sure where she lived—for all he knew, her house could be just around the corner from Rain Valley High School or miles away. But it didn’t matter to him. No child should be walking alone in the dark, clothes torn, body beaten, with no shoes or socks. And no man should hurt a child. God, he hoped the man hadn’t…but no, Daisy said she’d escaped. Unless she hadn’t wanted to say more in his presence.
He rubbed his eyes with his thumb and forefinger. Finding out Dustin had a date seemed trivial in comparison to what Daisy was going through and he felt chagrined at his jealousy. Even if that jealousy was still alive and strong in him even now.
Time passed slowly. He got a Dr Pepper from the vending machine and hoped the caffeine would give him a jolt. The TV on the far wall played the same annoying Rain Valley General information screen, followed by a series of panels discussing the various departments. What he wouldn’t give for a baseball game or even the news, as depressing as that was nowadays.
Two police officers showed up, and a nurse ushered them through the same swinging doors. Rafael’s concern grew the longer he waited.
He wished it wasn’t the middle of the night. He would’ve called Dustin to talk. His friend was the greatest at calming him down, easing him through the stress when he got overwhelmed. It wasn’t often, but Dustin always knew without being told when Rafael needed some centering.
Dustin. His fingers itched to call, just to see if he was still out with that guy. Conner. The guy’s name left a bitter taste behind. He wanted to punch Jack for setting them up—not that he’d ever admitted his feelings about Dustin to Jack.
Just then, his phone beeped, and it surprised him to see a text from Dustin, speak of the devil.
Dustin: Can’t sleep. U up?
Rafael: Yes, but not home.
Dustin: ?
Rafael: At hospital
Shit, he’d sent the text before he finished. An instant later, his phone rang. He answered, but before he could get out a word, he heard Dustin practically yelling.
“Jesus Fucking Christ, Raf. What the hell? Are you okay? Why didn’t you call me? I’m on my way. Rain Valley General?”
His heart did a l
ittle flip that Dustin was so worried, but he needed to calm him. “It’s not me. I’m fine. I sent the text before I could tell you the rest.”
A moment of silence preceded a deep sigh. “Fuck, Raf. I was scared out of my fucking mind.”
He bit back a smile. “I’m fine. Seriously.”
“Then why are you there?” Dustin asked, regaining some composure.
“I can’t say much, but remember the student I mentioned that broke her tablet?”
“The one that was scared to tell her mom?”
“She’s here, and for some reason, she wanted the social worker to call me. Not really sure why.”
“Of course she would. You’re amazing. You care about people and would never hurt anyone.”
“That’s…sweet,” he murmured a little awkwardly.
“I’m sure your students can tell you’re a good man.”
Rafael’s cheeks burned hot. He’d never had a man say those things to him—and the words coming from Dustin made his heart sing.
Just then, Elaine appeared and waved him over.
“I’ve got to get back in there.”
“Call me when you get home.”
“Okay…but I’m fine, Dusty.”
“Call. Me.”
He promised, then hung up and joined Elaine, who appeared shaken as they made their way to the curtained-off area.
“She’s been through a pretty awful experience, but it’s up to her if she wants to share it. She’s given her statement to the police and she’s been assessed by a doctor, so now we’re trying to find out if she has a relative. But she wants to talk to you.”
He shrugged. “I’m not sure I can help much. I’ve never met her mother and I have no idea if she has other family.”
“It’s okay. You have a calming effect on her. And I want her to know she can trust me, so I’m asking you to stay a while longer, if you don’t mind.”
“Not at all. I’ll do whatever I can.”
Daisy appeared slightly more relaxed than earlier, even as the nurse and two police officers stood over her. Her tattered clothes had been replaced with a hospital gown that seemed to swallow her up. Her lips curved into a tiny smile when she saw Rafael, so he sat in a chair next to her.
One of the policemen offered his hand. “Hi, I’m Officer Sean Miller. This is my partner, Officer Max Bridges. You’re Mr. Patino?”
Rafael shook his hand and nodded.
“And you were her teacher?”
His gaze fell on the other officer, not liking the man’s narrowed eyes. “Yes.”
“Why did she call you?”
Elaine broke in. “She didn’t call him. I did. She didn’t even have his number. I had to do some…research…before I could even find him.”
“But why did she call you?”
“I’m right here!” Daisy cried. “And I wanted Mr. Patino here because he understands me. He helped me so I didn’t get in trouble with my mom.”
All eyes fell on him, so he explained about the tablet. “It wasn’t that big of a thing.”
“It was. You were the only one who helped me.”
He knew that many teachers had helped her, but for the moment, he let it go, realizing her momentary fixation on him.
The officers seemed satisfied with everything. Elaine walked them out, but Rafael overheard them mumbling something about “arrest” and “foster care” and he hoped Daisy had someone who could take her in.
“Thank you.”
“You’re welcome, Daisy. I realize I don’t know much about what’s going on, but it sounds like you need a place to stay. Do you have relatives? Anyone we can call?”
She chewed her bottom lip and picked at the threads on the blanket. “I’m not sure,” she said, sniffling. “God, Mom is going to be so mad. She was screaming at me when I left. But I just couldn’t do what she wanted me to do. He was gross. And drunk like Mom. And he wouldn’t stop touching me. I said ‘no’ a bunch of times. I swear I did!”
Acid burned in his throat as he fought the urge to vomit. He knew exactly what the man had been trying to do, and hearing that her mother had been part of it sickened him. God, had the woman actually tried to pimp out her own daughter? Hatred for a woman he’d never met raced through him and he clenched his jaw, forcing himself to remain calm for Daisy.
“I’m sorry you went through that. You’re an incredibly brave young woman. Now I need you to be brave once more. Can you think of anybody we can call?”
She shifted in the bed and grimaced, pressing her hand to her side. “My mom doesn’t know I know this…so I’m not sure I should say.” She took a deep breath. “My dad died a long time ago and my mom said she hated him. She said he had a brother that she hated, too. One time, when she was drinking, she was yelling about my dad and said she should’ve just given me to his brother because she never wanted me anyway. But she said he didn’t even know he had a niece. That she never told him and that he thinks she moved back home to California.” She thumbed away the tears. “All I know is his name is Mac. Once I heard her say something about Mac and the airport, but I don’t know what that means. She was drunk. Again.”
He’d never heard Daisy talk this much in the entire year in his class, and was glad to see some of that bravery showing through. Something nagged at the back of his mind and suddenly his eyes grew wide. “Your uncle is Mac Warner?”
She nodded. “It doesn’t matter. He doesn’t even know I’m alive. But I don’t know where he is or how to get hold of him.”
“I think I do, Daisy!”
Mac Warner. The airport. She had to be talking about the guy over at RV Aviation. While he hadn’t met him yet, Dustin had claimed he was a top aviation mechanic. Rafael wasn’t sure, but he might actually own RV Aviation. Dustin undoubtedly had the man’s cell number.
Elaine returned and he smiled at her, but turned back to Daisy. “What was your dad’s name? So I can talk to your uncle.”
“Michael.”
He gestured for Elaine to follow him, and out of earshot, he filled her in on what Daisy had told him. “Do you want me to call my friend and see if we can contact Mac? I mean, if it’s him, you could call RV Aviation, but I don’t know their shop hours or when he works. Figured you probably would want his personal number.”
“Definitely! The hospital doesn’t need her to stay and I need to get her situated. Unfortunately, since she’s never met him and there’s no way to confirm he’s her uncle tonight, I’ll have to take her to an emergency foster family in town.” At his frown, she hurried to reassure him. “They’re a nice family. I promise.”
Rafael understood the need to keep her safe, but he still felt funny about her being shipped off to people she didn’t know—all because her mom was a horrible human being. He looked at Elaine as the seed of an idea sprouted.
She held up her hand. “Stop. Don’t do this to yourself. I know exactly what you’re thinking. She can’t go home with you for two reasons. First, I’d have to set you up as a foster parent and that couldn’t happen tonight. Second, you’re her teacher. I wouldn’t want anything to look inappropriate with the school board. Not that I don’t think you’d be a wonderful foster parent after seeing how you are with her. If you’re ever interested in that, call me.” She pulled handed him her card. “Once you get her uncle’s number, let me know.”
He said good night to Daisy. By then, it was close to 3:30 A.M. and she was nodding off. He told her he was proud of her bravery and her decision to contact him, and she smiled weakly. Rafael hoped she could sleep soundly once she arrived at her temporary residence.
A cool breeze blew past him as he walked into the night. Rafael texted Dustin before he pulled out of the parking lot, letting him know he was leaving and asking about Mac’s phone number. But since Dustin was probably sound asleep, he’d likely have to get that number after sunup.
As he turned onto his street, he saw a vehicle in his drive—Dustin’s Honda. His best friend had a key, so was probably inside.
“You want to take a picture of…something?” he drawled teasingly.
Heat flooded Rafael’s cheeks and he forced a chuckle. “Whatever.”
Dustin rose and hugged him hard, as if just remembering what had happened. “God, I’m so sorry, Raf. Is the girl going to be okay?”
Rafael nodded, but wrapped Dustin in his arms, his head falling on the man’s shoulder. They stayed like that for a while. With anyone else, Rafael might have been embarrassed that he was fighting the urge to cry. Dustin held him tight and shared his strength. It crept into Rafael, shored him up. Helped him get past the image of Daisy huddled in that hospital bed. At least for a while.
When he finally pulled away, Dustin kept his arms around him and Rafael was too exhausted to read anything into it.
“Why are you here?”
“Because I know you, Raf. I know you care about your students—you open your heart to everyone. But I also know you’ve been particularly worried about this girl. I just didn’t want you coming home to an empty house.”
Rafael’s heart cracked more and he felt raw, open, and vulnerable. The world had reared its ugly head and shown its hideousness. He also felt lonely. Bone tired and so lonely. And he didn’t want to be lonely. At least not for the night. He swallowed hard. “Will you…stay?”
Dustin nodded, no hint of hesitation in his blue-green eyes. “Is there anything else I can do?”
He started to shake his head, but Mac’s name popped into his head. “I texted you, but you were probably already asleep. This is crazy, but the girl has an uncle she’s never met, and I’m pretty sure it’s Mac Warner.”
Love in the Clouds Page 6