Secrets

Chapter 3

I took Bella up to the conference room to see if she’d open up any. Maddie decided to come with me. We got snacks for her, trying to make her more comfortable.
“Hey Kelly.”
“Hey Bella, how are you?” I said, handing her the food.
“Good, why am I here?”
“That is a very good question. How do I say this-” I started to speak, I saw her shirt come up a bit, revealing her wrist.

“What’s on your wrist?” I said, motioning to her wrists. They had purplish bruises on them, as if someone had ahold of them and didn’t let go.
“Oh, uh. I got in a fight at school, some kid grabbed my wrist. But I was able to get free, using the technique you taught me.”
“That’s good, but Bella. Those marks aren’t from a kid, they look like they’re from an adult.”
“I’m small for my age. The guy was really big.”

“What’s his name?” Maddie asked, grabbing a notepad and pen.
“I don’t remember.”
“Are you lying to us?” I asked, getting slightly annoyed that she’s lying but I also can’t blame her.
“No, I don’t remember the name. I don’t remember. It was a long time ago.”
“Bella, bruises usually go away within a couple days or weeks. How long ago was the attack?” Maddie said.
“Last week.” She lied. We talked about that a bit more.

“How’s your dad?” I asked, she slightly tensed up.
“Fine.”
“How’s y’alls relationship?” Maddie asked.
“Fine.”
“You sure?” I asked
“Yeah, why wouldn’t I be.” I heard a knock on the door, I opened it. Ziva handed me a paper. I looked inside, a note that said ‘here’s evidence’ some pictures of her father on top of her while she’s asleep. My stomach formed into a knot.

“I’ll ask again, Bella. How’s your relationship with your father?” I said, sitting back down.
“I already told you, it’s fine.”
“Bella, do you know how many times we’ve used that excuse. Way too many times.” Maddie said.
“We’re fine.” she was getting angry
“You sure?”
“Yes, I’m sure. So stop asking.” She said, raising her voice. I winced at what I was about to do.

“I want you to know that I didn’t want it to come to this, all we want to do is help.” I said, spreading out the pictures in front of her. She tensed up.
“Does that look fine to you, Bella?” I asked.
“Where did you get these?”
“Your dad’s office at the courthouse.”
“You had no right to do that.” She said, standing up.
“You wouldn’t tell us, like we said. We just want to help you. Bella, we can get you out of there.” I said standing up.

“NO” she said, sweeping the pictures off the table. She was going off of pure instinct. That’s also when I realized he was trying to brainwash her.
“Bella, Do you see anything wrong with those pictures?” I asked, going over to her side.

“No,”
“Do you know a man named Jayden Hernandez?”
“Yeah, he’s like an uncle.”
“Antonio Garcia?” Maddie asked.
“Yeah.”
“Jayden’s Nephew Penn?”
“Yeah, he’s like a cousin to me.” I took a breath.
“Jason Mawher.”
“Yeah, why are you asking me all this?”
“Because I killed all of them. And your father saw the video.” I said.
“You what.”
“They were all bad people.”
“No they weren't, they were good people.” She pulled out a pocket knife and went to stab me. I grabbed her wrist and took the knife. I pulled her into a hug.

“Bella, did they hurt you?” I asked, her eyes still filled with anger, hurt, sorrow.
“No.”
“Show me your arms.”
“Fuck you.” she said, I grabbed her arms and rolled her sleeves up. She had needle marks on her arms.

“Em.” I said.
“GET OFF ME”
“He injected her with the aggression drug. Get her to the hospital.” I said. Maddie and I had to pretty much drag her downstairs. Everyone was staring at us.

*Hospital*
Maddie and I stayed with her until they got the drugs out of her system. She was starting to wake up.
“Where am I?”
“You’re in the hospital.” Maddie said, we walked closer to her.
“I’m sorry.” She said, looking at me.
“It’s fine Bella. I’m just glad you’re okay.” She smiled at me.