The Anatomy of You

Chapter 18 - The Case

"You found him? Where is he? Is he safe!?"

Safi's rapid fire questions hit the detective like blows to the chest. He made her sit down on the bed and take a few deep breaths.

"As far as we know he's okay. We've got officers surrounding the house and on standby for rescue. We need to get you there so he has a familiar face to recognize. Let's go."

Everything became a whirlwind. Safi rushes out the door with baby in police custody and climbs into the back of Detective Casper's SUV.

Panicked thoughts bombard her mind. Is Aaron okay? Was he harmed in anyway? Was he deprived of basic needs?

Police sirens blaring, they take off towards the south of the city.

They reach a house in a lower income area where they see police already getting in formation around the house. Detective Casper steps out of the car and whispers to another officer. The officer nods and sends some sort of signal to the others. The rescue commenced.

Soon Safi hears shouting and banging from police busting into the house. Soon she sees a glimpse of a small child. Aaron. An officer quickly runs over to the SUV and puts Aaron in the car.

"Oh Aaron, I'm so glad you're safe," Safi cries pulling the child into her arms. He clings to her for dear life, not wanting to separate to sit in the seat beside her.

It was over. It was all over.

Detective Casper drives them back to the hotel where they left the baby. They were able to arrest the man who took Aaron. It turned out to be his maternal grandfather, Samuel Mack, who they lived with prior to their mother being arrested. Police didn't know how long he had been abusing the boy but there was more than enough evidence to convict him anyways.

Safi and the children had to stay in the hotel while the trial goes on. The whole idea of having to go to court scared her. How would the kids react? Would this put her back in her school? She was so close to finishing.

She knew one thing though. She had to talk to the kids' mother immediately.

Safi laid Braxton down in the crib the hotel provided and checked to see if Aaron was asleep before she headed into the bathroom. She immediately dialed a number

"Detective Casper?"

"Yes Safiya? Is something wrong? Are you all okay?"

"Yes, we're fine. Both boys are fast asleep. I just wanted to know if there was any way of seeing their mother? I really want to talk to her before the trial."

Detective Casper hesitated and then sighed.

"There's a few new things that have come up in her case that I can't discuss because of your part in the case. However, I don't think it'll be likely that you'll get to see her," he replied.

"Why not? Why can't I talk to her?"

"Hold on." The sounds in the background of the call got quieter.

"Okay, it turns out there's some evidence that their mother also neglected them. I can't give you details, but she's not clean either. You may have those boys a lot longer than originally planned."

Safi held her breath for a few moments. She didn't know how to react. Her heart broke for these two small boys.

"Okay Detective...thanks for letting me know," Safi replies softly. She hangs up the phone and walks back out into the room. Safi sits beside Aaron's sleeping body and caressed the boy's face.

He was so small and endured so much. A tear runs down her face. Now they both may never see their mother again.

She climbs into the large bed with Aaron and holds him close. He should've never been harmed the way he was.

Safi falls asleep with the boy in her arms.

——————

"All rise! Docket number 2419. People vs Samuel Mack. One counts Kidnapping in the first degree. One count endangerment of a child. Three counts sexual exploitation of a child. One count child molestation. The honorable Judge Trenton residing."

The judges walks into the courtroom as Safi holds her breath.

"You may be seated. How does the defendant plead?" The judge shuffles through her papers.

"Not guilty your honor. Y'all ain't got shit on me," Samuel Mack exclaims. Safi's heart races.

"Counselor, remind your client that he need only to answer the question."  Judge Trenton side eyes the Samuel before moving on.

"What do the People request?"

"Remand your Honor. The defendant has no ties to the community and has the means to flee the state," projects the assistant district attorney. She looks over at the defendant.

"In fact, he looks like he might run right now if we gave him the chance."

"Your Honor, my client promises that he will attend all of his court proceedings," Mack's attorney retorts unphased.

"I apologize but given the charges I would feel better if client was in custody. Bail is set at $500,000." She slams the gavel. Safi watches as the court officers whisk Mack away.

She takes Aaron's hand and begins to push the stroller out of the courtroom when she's stopped by the ADA. He looks at Safi with somewhat of a cold look.

"The evidence in this case is sure to convict. We've got DNA and a paper trail."

Safi looks down at the boys with a sad look. Aaron grips her hand tighter.

"Will he have to testify? I don't know if he'll be able to handle it," Safi asks still staring into Aaron's eyes. They were dark. The light stolen out of him as part of his innocence had been robbed.

"Legally he can't because he's only five years old. The evidence will do all the testifying for him as well as your testimony and a few other witnesses."

Safi nodded. The ADA began to walk away

"What about my mommy?"

The ADA stops and turns around. He crouches down to Aaron's eye level.

"I'll do what I can to help your mommy. Don't worry." His cold face breaks into a soft smile as he gives Aaron a high five.

The ADA stands up and starts to walk away.

The media circus began.

A/N:
SURPRISE!! I wasn't planning to update this story for awhile. I wanted to edit some things but I think I'll hold off on that. I hope you enjoyed the update Rayne Drops!