CHAPTER 60

Alexander's eyes widened in shock. "Why do you need to do a rape kit? Do you suspect... do you think she was assaulted?" His voice trembled with a mix of fear and disbelief.

The doctor placed a reassuring hand on Alexander's shoulder. "Oh no, don't worry. It's standard procedure in cases like this, especially since she was found in that condition. We need to ensure her well-being and gather evidence if necessary."

Before the doctor could explain, Chief Bennett arrived, "How is she?" he asked urgently, looking between Alexander and the doctor.

The doctor quickly briefed Chief Bennett on Margaret's condition and the plan for the rape kit. "There were no signs of physical force on her body," the doctor affirmed.

Alexander listened intently, his gaze shifting between the doctor and Chief Bennett. Chief Bennett then turned to Alexander with a severe expression. "We'll have to perform a rape kit given where she was found; it's a precaution we need to take," he explained gently.

Alexander nodded solemnly. "Do what you need to do. Do I need to sign any paperwork?"

The doctor shook his head. "She hasn't regained consciousness yet. Once she wakes up, we'll need her consent for the examination, but you can check her."

Alexander nodded gratefully, his heart heavy with emotion. He followed the doctor into Margaret's room.

As Alexander stepped into the quiet room, he saw Margaret lying peacefully on the hospital bed, pale against the sterile white sheets. She was connected to monitors softly beeping in the background. His throat tightened, and tears welled up in his eyes at the sight of her vulnerable state.

Alexander sat beside her, taking her hands in his fingers, trembling as he caressed her cold palm. "Margaret," he whispered, his voice choked with emotion. "I'm so sorry. Please forgive me."

His tears fell as he continued, his words coming out in a broken whisper, "I should have picked up the call. I should have been there. I don't know what I would have done if I lost you." His words were a mix of regret and pleading.

He paused, struggling to find the right words. "I promise I'll never leave you hanging like that again. I love you so much," he confessed, his voice breaking. "I don't know how to face you after this. Please, Margaret, wake up."

Alexander bowed his head, his hand still clutching Margaret's, his tears falling onto their intertwined fingers.

In the doorway, Sandra stood silently, tears streaming down her face. She watched the heartbreaking scene before her, feeling sorrow and relief. Her heart ached to see her best friend in pain, but she was relieved knowing that Margaret had someone like Alexander who loved her deeply.

Sandra stepped back, allowing Alexander his private moment with Margaret, and hoped for Margaret's recovery.

At the police station, Caisse sat in a small interrogation room, her eyes red and swollen from crying. Two officers stood over her, their expressions stern.

"Why were you out on a date during work hours, Caisse?" one officer demanded, his tone accusatory.

Caisse sobbed, her voice breaking. "It's all my fault. I should have been there. I didn't think... I didn't know this would happen."

Caisse continued to cry, unable to defend herself, when suddenly, the door burst open. John stormed into the room, his face flushed with anger. "What the hell is going on here?" he shouted.

The officers looked startled as John approached the table. "Why do you have one of my colleagues in here?" he demanded, his voice filled with authority.

The officers hesitated, unsure how to respond. John turned to Caisse and placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "Do not answer any more questions," he instructed her firmly. "If you have further questions, contact our lawyer, Maimuma Abdullahi."

He then turned to Caisse. "Get up. Let's go."

As they made their way out of the station, they encountered Chief Bennett in the hallway. He looked confused and concerned. "Where are you taking her?" he asked, his eyes narrowing.

John's expression was resolute. "Chief, your officers have been too busy playing detective but won't do the right thing. Talk to our Lawyer."

John and Caisse continued down the hallway, leaving Chief Bennett speechless.

Outside the station, Caisse moved quickly, her face still streaked with tears. She hurried towards the street, anxiously scanning for a taxi. John followed closely, his concern growing with each step.

"Caisse, wait," John called after her, trying to catch up. "Are you okay? Talk to me."

Caisse didn't respond, her pace quickening as she spotted a taxi approaching. She waved it down, her hands trembling. The cab pulled up, and she immediately opened the door, slipping inside.

John reached the taxi just as she was about to close the door. "Caisse, please. Let me help," he pleaded, his voice filled with worry.

Caisse finally looked up at him, her eyes filled with fear and desperation. "I just need to get away, John," she whispered, her voice breaking.

John stepped back, his heart heavy with concern. "Alright, but call me if you need anything. Promise me."

Brimming with tears, Caisse gave a curt nod and abruptly shut the door, not wanting to speak further. The taxi drove to Riverside General Hospital.

When she arrived at the hospital, Caisse rushed to the reception desk, her heart pounding. "I'm looking for Andrew," she said urgently to the nurse.

The nurse at the reception looked up, puzzled. "Andrew, who?"

Caisse fumbled through her bag, eventually pulling out a card. She handed it to the nurse, who typed the name into the computer. "Ah, Andrew. Room 204," the nurse said, pointing down the hallway.

Caisse hurried to the room, her heart in her throat. As she approached, she saw Andrew through the glass window. Just as she was about to enter, a stern voice stopped her.

"Who are you?" David, standing guard outside the room, asked, his expression serious.

The nurse turned and left, leaving Caisse alone with David. "I'm... I'm Andrew's..." she stammered, struggling to find the right words. Her eyes were swollen and red from crying, her exhaustion evident.

David studied her momentarily; then his expression softened into a kind smile. "Go on in," he said gently.

Caisse nodded gratefully and stepped into the room, her eyes immediately finding Andrew. She approached his bedside, her heart heavy with emotion.

Alexander left Margaret's room quietly and made his way to check on Andrew. As he approached Andrew's room, he noticed David standing outside.

"How is Andrew doing?" Alexander asked.

David nodded, his expression serious. "He's still unconscious, but the surgery went well. We're just waiting now."

Alexander tapped David's shoulder, offering a reassuring smile. "Mr. David, Andrew is a very strong person. I believe in my best friend."

David's eyes softened. "Did you find your wife? How is she doing?"

Alexander nodded a hint of relief in his eyes. "She's stable. They're taking good care of her."

As he approached the door, Alexander was shocked to see Caisse inside the room. She was the last person he expected to find there. "What the hell is she doing here?"