All My Sins

An icicle

* I actually took a little time to really write and edit this, and I think that it might be one of my favorite chapters to write so far. I hope you all enjoy! Thank you for the endearing support that keeps this story alive - N. "

At last and with more physical effort than he had remembered, Marshall managed to climb into Maureen's bedroom. The warm air inside of the house fought against Detroit's brutally cold breath which made Marshall feel relaxed. It seemed as though it had been a long time since his mind felt the sensation of comfortability. Inside Maureen's room there hung a sweet but subtle smell like honey. It was pure and kind to the senses, just like her. Against his better judgement, Marshall took a load off and allowed his body to sink into the plush mattress. Sighing a breath of mental exhaustion, he closed his eyes. He wasn't able to manage sleeping very well in the hospital chair as Maureen had laid next to him in misery all night. But the Doc's house was quiet, as if it were in its own state of rest that would so easily swallow him. Her pillow cases - cold, soft, and laced with the smell of her shampoo. Before falling asleep, which he did, Marshall imagined sleeping with Maureen and feeling her body alongside his. Then he was gone.

After sleeping through some of his hangover, Denaun woke up feeling fairly confident and good about himself. And it was in the clarity of his sobriety that he realized that in order to be successful in his endeavors that he would have to be cunning and agile, two attributes which had never been his strong suits. It was about eleven in the morning, and he decided that he had gotten most everything that he had needed and would return Marshall's computer, that is if he could.

Once more, he opened Marshall's computer to double check for anything else that he might have needed.

He clicked back on Maureen's file once again. He had already taken notes of his own, jotted down her parent's information, as well as the Doc address.

However, it was when Denaun scrolled all the way to the bottom that he noticed a tab titled "Wavering Guardianship/Police Reports."

By strange coincidence it was at this time that Proof had decided to go back to the hospital, assuming that Marshall would be there. He had stopped at a drug store on his way there and picked up a small bouquet of red roses.

He sat down in the chair that Marshall had stayed in all night. He too was fairly confused about the situation he had walked in on. Taking advantage he really looked at Maureen and tried to will himself to once again just think of her as Marshall's girl and not just an underage girl. While he loved Marshall as a brother and had for many years past, he found himself conflicted and only felt bad for Maureen. The whole thing seemed unfair in her favor.

There were several files. However, the most significant and notable that Denaun had gained access to was labeled "SUSPECTED CHILD ABUSE REPORT."

A great deal of information had been filled into a large box in the middle of the document, which read;

"Tip/notice by child's teacher. Child was sent home on the previous night of December 3, 2002 in regards to a behavioral issue. Upon return to school the next day, December 4 of 2002, the child exhibited unusual behavior such as lack of attention, dazedness, and timidness. Upon inclination of the child's behavior, it was noticed that the child's collarbone was intensely bruised. After further inspection and testing, the child tested positive for excessive opioid level of Oxycontin."

Meanwhile as Denaun read, Proof still sat in her hospital room and allowed his mind to unravel.

"Investigation revealed that the opioids in the child's system were linked to a prescription prescribed to the child's Mother, Jillian Doc."

Another file was an official letter.

"To whom it may be concerned within the educational department and educational professionals of Maureen Ivy Doc. After extensive and further investigation into the suspected abuse and domestic mishaps discovered within the Doc family home, as well as the child's short time in the care and protection of the Child and Family Services of the city of Detroit, Maureen Doc has returned home within the care of her biological parents. While the situation will be monitored closely, those professionals involved with the child should monitor closely for unusual behaviors or circumstances. Should an instance come to one's attention, it should be reported directly to Child and Family Services of Detroit. It is our hope and goal to ensure that the child remains healthy and safe with the assistance of others within close quarters . The cooperation and assistance is greatly appreciated."