"Painful Memories"
By: Ofelia Reveles
Email: juanarev@arn.net
Special thanks to Betty for editing my stories.
All Disclaimers Apply!
Challenge # 105: A patient is brought into Community General.
Mark sees him and refuses to do the surgery so Jesse does it.
After the surgery Jesse asks Mark why he refused. Mark tells
Jesse that when Steve was a little boy he was abused by that man.
Steve's subconscious has made him forget. Jesse tells Mark he
won't say anything to Steve. Unfortunately Steve sees the man at
the hospital and the painful memories come back. Mark has to help
Steve deal with the pain and come to grips with his own. --
Bbw517536 ( Betty )
Summary: Steve goes after the man who physically abused him. Will
Mark, Jesse and Amanda arrive in time to save Steve from doing
something terrible wrong.
Rated: PG
Special note: Remember any kind of child abuse should reported.
Whether it is Physical, Emotional, Neglect, or Sexual abuse. It
is the law.
**********
Steve came through the emergency doors whistling a happy tune. He
had finished an open and shut case but he just had to make sure
with the autopsy report that Amanda was working on. Amanda had
told him that it was pretty cut and dry but still had to put the
finishing touches on the autopsy report. Steve saw Jesse talking
to a nurse by one of the treating rooms.
"Hi Jesse," Steve said with a smile. "Working
hard?"
Jesse looked up and laughed, "Very hard."
"Not hard enough," laughed Nurse Haney. "I have to
go back to work Doctor Travis. Maybe next time."
Steve laughed. "Asking her out for a date?"
"Something like that," answered Jesse with a smile.
"What brings you here?"
"I have to pick up an autopsy report from Amanda,"
answered Steve. "Do you know where she is?"
"No but if you hang on a minute I will go with you to find
her," answered Jesse. "That way you can treat both of
us to lunch."
"Very funny Jesse," laughed Steve. Just then the
emergency doors opened again with a man on a stretcher and the
paramedics running next to him.
"We need help here," yelled one of the paramedics.
Jesse ran over to them. "What do you have?"
"A car wreck victim," answered one of the paramedics.
"He is paralyzed from the waist down."
The man on the stretcher yelled, "I need to see Dr. Mark
Sloan. It's important that I talk to Dr. Mark Sloan."
"I'm here," said Mark coming from one of the treatment
rooms. "What can I do for you?" he asked as he walked
over to the man. "It's you," yelled Mark when he saw
the man. "Get him out of here. I don't want anything to do
with this man."
"What's wrong dad?" asked Steve with concern. He began
walking towards his dad and the man.
"No Steve stay away," begged Mark. Steve quickly
stopped and stared at his dad in surprise.
Mark quickly turned to Jesse. "Jesse take this man into
treatment room one." Then Mark walked quickly up to Steve
trying to block Steve's view from seeing the man on the stretcher
as Jesse and the paramedics passed by.
But Steve saw the man before Mark could block his view. He stood
there horrified and in shock. Mark quickly guided Steve to the
doctor's lounge.
Mark sat Steve on the couch in the doctor's lounge. They sat
quietly for a few minutes before Mark asked, "Steve are you
all right?"
Steve didn't answer but continued to stare into space.
"Steve are you all right?" asked his dad again with
concern.
But Steve still wasn't listening to what his dad had asked
because all he remembered was seeing that man again in the
hospital after all these years. He sat there as tears ran down
his face remembering the terrible nightmares, the anger, the
hurt, humiliation that the man had caused him. Then all of sudden
he ran out the door and began to run down the corridor and out
the emergency room doors to his truck. Steve sped off full speed
to no particular place just trying to forget the painful memories
that stirred inside him.
Mark chased his son but could not catch him. "Steve come
back," yelled Mark desperately.
But Steve was too far away in his mind and distance to hear his
dad's pleas to come back.
"Mark where did Steve go in such a hurry?" asked Jesse
as he ran up to where Mark was standing.
"I don't know Jesse," answered Mark in disbelief.
"But I need to go find him before he hurts himself or
somebody."
"Does it have to do with that man that we're treating in
treatment room one?" asked Jesse with concern.
"Yes it does but it's a long story Jesse," said Mark
slowly. "I'll tell you later but first let's find Steve. I
think he is going to the beach house. Why don't you get Amanda
from the path lab and you two meet me at the beach house?"
"Okay Mark," answered Jesse. "But first let me
tell you that the patient in treatment room one insists on seeing
you, a Mr. Frank Thomas."
Mark stared at Jesse, "I know who it is and I don't want to
see him ever again," he said very harshly.
"But Mark, Mr. Thomas is very sick and will not last more
than a few days at the most. At least hear what he has to
say," insisted Jesse.
"I don't want to hear what Mr. Thomas has to say ever
again," answered Mark harshly. "All I want is for Mr.
Thomas to stay away from Steve and myself. Now if you excuse me,
I have to go after my son." Mark took off quickly before
Jesse could ask another question.
Jesse stood there looking at Mark in disbelief. "What could
have happened that Mark and Steve took off hurriedly out of the
hospital?" he asked himself. "And why didn't Mark want
to see Mr. Frank Thomas? Too many questions. I better hurry up
and get Amanda so we can find out what this is all about and that
way we can help Mark and Steve." Jesse took off to the path
lab but before he got to the elevator Nurse Haney stopped him and
asked.
"Doctor Travis, your patient, Mr. Frank Thomas wants to know
if you have talked to Dr. Sloan?"
"Tell Mr. Frank Thomas that I have spoken to Dr. Sloan but
that Dr. Sloan definitely doesn't want to see him and for him to
stay away from Steve and him," answered Jesse. "And
that I will talk to him later. Right now I have to go get Dr.
Bentley and meet with Dr. Sloan in a very important meeting at
his house. If you will excuse me."
"Yes of course," answered Nurse Haney as she watched
Jesse get into the elevator.
**********
Frank waited impatiently in his bed for some message from Dr.
Travis. He had send Dr. Travis to find Mark and to tell him that
it was very urgent that he speak to him and also definitely to
Steve. Frank only hoped that they would listen to him especially
after all the harm he had done to Mark but especially to Steve.
He really hoped that Steve would forgive him.
"Mr. Thomas," said Nurse Haney as she entered his room.
"Yes," answered Frank quickly. "Was Dr. Travis
able to find Mark and relay my message to him?"
"Yes he did," answered Nurse Haney. "But Dr.
Travis told me to tell you that Dr. Sloan definitely doesn't want
to see you and to stay away from Steve and him. And also that Dr.
Travis will see you later to discuss this matter. Is there
anything else I can do for you, Mr. Thomas?"
Frank's eyes filled with tears and his face was filled with
disappointment. He couldn't blame Mark for not seeing him. He had
hurt Mark's only son, Steve very bad and now it just seemed like
a total nightmare.
"Are you all right Mr. Thomas?" asked Nurse Haney when
she saw the disappointment on Mr. Thomas' face. "Is there
something I can do for you?"
"What?" asked Frank distractedly. "What did you
say?"
"Are you all right and is there anything else I can do for
you?" she asked again.
"Just please tell Dr. Travis to keep trying," answered
Frank slowly. "It is really important that I speak to Dr.
Sloan and his son. Please?"
"Okay," said Nurse Haney. "I'll try but he left to
an important meeting with Dr. Sloan and Dr. Bentley," and
she walked out of the room.
Frank lay there in bed thinking of what he did to Mark and Steve.
He began praying, "I have no right in asking you for help
but please God forgive me for what I did to Mark and especially
to Steve. Help me to get Mark and Steve to forgive me or at least
give me a chance to explain and to listen to what I have to say.
I know what I did was wrong and with your help I have changed.
Please God let me show Mark and Steve that I have changed and I
am willing to do anything it takes to make things better for
everybody."
**********
Steve continued to drive at full speed, ignoring the speed
limits. He was blinded by the different emotions that came
flooding back with fury when he saw one Mr. Frank Thomas. He also
remembered how all the horrible nightmares began for him after
his parents and the school found out about his abuse and all the
trauma that followed.
Steve sank his body low behind Rick Randall who was sitting right
in front of him. He hoped that Coach Hansen wouldn't pick him to
play on the team. His leg was hurting and in pain from this
morning. He was still in shock and couldn't believe that Mr.
Thomas had actually hit him with a stick and made him fall over
the benches on the football field hurting his leg.
"Steve Sloan front and center," yelled Coach Hansen.
Steve froze for a few minutes before he stammered out, "I
don't feel good Coach. May I go see the nurse?" But before
Coach Hansen could answer Steve said, "I think I am going to
be sick." He got up and tried to walk to the bathroom but
fell down instead.
"Steve are you all right?" asked Coach Hansen as he
rushed to Steve's side. Everybody also gathered around him.
"I'm fine," he answered slowly but with pain. "I
just tripped. I need to get up and go to the bathroom."
Steve again tried to stand up and walk but fell again.
"You're not going anywhere," answered Coach Hansen
firmly. Then he turned to Randy. "Go get Ms. Mitchell and
tell her to come here quickly and then go get Mr. Murphy. Tell
them we have an emergency." Randy took off in a hurry.
"But Coach, I'm fine. Just let me stand up and I'll show
you," begged Steve trying hard to hide the pain he was
really having. He didn't want any of this attention because he
was afraid that Mr. Thomas would find out and he really didn't
want that to happen. Especially not after this morning.
"I said you're not moving," said Coach Hansen firmly.
"At least not until Ms. Mitchell gets a look at you."
Ms. Mitchell and Mr. Murphy arrived together and ran over to
where Steve was laying on the floor and to where Coach Hansen was
kneeling next to him and the rest of the class were standing
around.
"Coach, Steve what happened?" asked Ms. Mitchell
quickly as she knelt next to Steve.
Coach Hansen spoke before Steve could say anything, "Ms.
Mitchell, Steve was complaining that he didn't feel good and when
he got up to walk to the bathroom to get sick, Steve fell down.
He tried to get up and walk again but fell a second time. I told
him not to move until you got here to examine him."
"Ms. Mitchell, I'm fine," whined Steve but trying very
hard to keep the pain from showing in his voice. "I can
walk. Let me show you."
"Not until I examine you," said Ms. Mitchell firmly.
"Now tell me if this hurts." And she began to feel his
right lower leg to his toes.
Steve wanted to scream out in pain but instead he said very, very
slowly. "No, it doesn't hurt."
"Steve, I can see by the pain in your face and in your voice
that your leg is hurting you," said Ms. Mitchell sternly.
She turned to Mr. Murphy, "We need to call Steve's parents.
I think Steve should go to the hospital and get his leg examined.
I think his leg is broke. Also let's take him to my office where
I think he would be more comfortable." Mr. Murphy left to
make the necessary calls.
"No," cried Steve as Coach Hansen picked him up and
carried him to the nurse's office. "I'm fine. I don't want
to go to the hospital. Please?"
"Steve it will be all right," said Ms. Mitchell gently
as she walked next to him and Coach Hansen. "How did it
happen? Did you fall while trying to do a play?"
"No," answered Coach Hansen. "Steve didn't even do
one play because that is when he started to complain he didn't
feel good."
"Is that right, Steve?" asked Ms. Mitchell with
concern.
"Yes," answered Steve very slowly as Coach Hansen laid
him on the bed in the nurses' office.
"Then what happened to your leg?" asked Mr. Murphy
firmly as he came into the room.
Steve looked at Mr. Murphy and screamed angrily, "I fell
okay! I fell! Now leave me alone. I don't want to answer anymore
of your stupid questions."
Mr. Murphy, Ms. Mitchell and Coach Hansen stared at Steve in
shock.
"Steve why don't you lie down and rest until your parents
come," said Ms. Mitchell gently. Mr. Murphy, Ms. Mitchell
and Coach Hansen walked out of the room.
"I want to see Steve's parents before they see him,"
said Mr. Murphy firmly. "There is something that is not
right here and I want to talk to them before they see Steve.
Maybe they can get Steve to talk and find out what really
happened to him. Coach, I want you there when I speak to
them."
"Okay," answered Coach Hansen as he looked back towards
the nurses' office.
**********
Ten minutes later Dr. Mark Sloan and his wife, Katherine
hurriedly walked to the office.
"Where's our son, Steve? I understand that he has been
hurt?" asked Mark quickly.
"We'll take you to see your son in a minute," said Ms.
Reed, the school secretary. "But Mr. Murphy would like to
speak to you in his office first. Please follow me this
way."
"No, we want to see our son, now," answered Mark
sternly. Just then Mr. Murphy walked into the office and walked
directly to Mark and Katherine.
"Dr. Sloan, Mrs. Sloan, I'm glad you are here," said
Mr. Murphy quickly. "I know you are very anxious to see
Steve but I think it is very important that we talk first. Steve
is all right for the moment and asleep. Please?" he asked as
he pointed to his office.
Mark and Katherine looked at each other before Mark finally
turned to Mr. Murphy. "Okay."
Mr. Murphy showed Mark and Katherine to his office where they met
Coach Hansen.
After everybody was seated Mr. Murphy began, "Dr. Sloan,
Mrs. Sloan, your son, Steve has broken his leg. At least that is
what Ms. Mitchell, the school nurse thinks but Steve needs to go
to the hospital for x-rays to be certain."
"Then what are we doing here?" asked Mark sternly.
"We should be on our way to the hospital with Steve."
"I understand your urgency to get Steve to the hospital, Dr.
Sloan," said Mr. Murphy calmly. "But there is a problem
on how Steve got injured."
"What kind of problem?" asked Katherine with concern.
"That just it Steve won't say," answered Mr. Murphy
with concern. "And when we tried to get him to answer Steve
got very angry and said he just fell and to drop it."
"Well this just adds to our concerns that we are having
about Steve," answered Mark slowly.
"What do you mean?" asked Coach Hansen. "What
concerns?"
"That's what we wanted to talk to you about Mr.
Murphy," answered Katherine slowly. "Mark and I wanted
to request a meeting with you and Mr. Thomas, Steve's teacher
concerning Steve. Lately Steve says that he doesn't want to come
to school. His behavior has changed in the last two weeks. He
cries that he is sick and doesn't feel good."
"And when we ask him what's wrong he won't talk about
it," added Mark. "In fact he has had quite a few
nightmares this past two weeks. Ever since he came home with a
bruise on his face."
"What bruise?" asked Mr. Murphy and Coach Hansen
together.
"It wasn't a bruise to us but it looked like somebody
slapped him on his face," answered Katherine. "And when
we questioned him on it, he said he got hit on the face with a
basketball."
"I told him it looked like a slap in the face," said
Mark. "And I asked him if he got into a fight with another
student. He denied it and swore he was telling us the truth. We
decided to drop it because we wanted to believe Steve was telling
us the truth."
"Dr. Sloan, Mrs. Sloan, I swear to you that Steve has never
gotten hit on the face with a basketball in these past few
weeks," said Coach Hansen with surprise. "And I don't
know why he said he did."
"Like I told you, Coach Hansen, Mr. Murphy to us it looked
like a slap on the face," said Mark firmly.
Mr. Murphy and Coach Hansen looked at each other for a few
minutes.
Mr. Murphy finally was going to say something but was interrupted
by a knock on the door. "Come in," he said.
Ms. Mitchell entered the office. "Mr. Murphy, Steve is awake
and complaining his leg is hurting again. I really think he needs
to go to the hospital."
"Okay," answered Mr. Murphy. Then he turned back to
Mark and Katherine, "We will finish this conversation when
Steve is better and maybe by then we will have some answers for
you."
"Thank you Mr. Murphy, Coach Hansen," said Mark as he
shook hands with both men. Then they followed Ms. Mitchell to the
nurses' office to see Steve.
**********
Mark and Katherine rushed to their son's side.
"Hi Steve," said his mother as she reached for his hand
and held it in hers. "Are you all right? How are you
feeling?"
"My leg hurts," cried Steve as he tried to sit up in
bed.
"Lay still Steve," said his dad with concern. "Let
me take a look at your leg." Mark began to feel his son's
lower leg to his toes.
"OWOW," Steve cried out in pain.
Mark stopped and turned to Ms. Mitchell. "Do you have some
scissors, so I can cut Steve's pants?"
"No dad," yelled Steve in panic.
"Steve, we have to cut your pants so I can see the extent of
your injuries. Do you understand?"
"Please dad. No," cried Steve. He didn't want his dad
to see the bruise and the swelling on his leg.
"It will be all right, Steve," said his dad gently. He
started to cut Steve's pants with the scissors but quickly
stopped at what he saw.
"Steve what happened to your leg?" asked his dad in
surprise.
Everybody looked at his leg in total shock. Katherine began
crying as she held on tightly to Steve's hand.
"I just fell down," Steve cried as he tried to turn his
head from everybody. "I fell." He couldn't tell them
the truth. Mr. Thomas would kill him if he did and he couldn't
take that chance.
"Steve, please what happened to your leg?" asked Mark
trying to keep the anger in his voice from showing. "You
might have fallen but somebody had to hit you with something hard
to make that bruise and for your leg to swell up like that and
also to cause you to break your leg. Steve please tell me what
happened to your leg?"
"What do you mean Dr. Sloan?" asked Mr. Murphy in
disbelief. "You mean somebody hit Steve deliberately with a
hard object."
"That is exactly what I mean," shouted Mark furiously.
"And I want to know who would do that to my son, now?"
"I don't know," answered Mr. Murphy firmly. "But I
certainly will find out, immediately. You can rest assure of
that."
"Well I hope you do," answered Mark trying very hard to
keep his anger under control. "Because I will call the
proper authorities in this matter and I can tell you this,
whoever did this to my son will pay dearly." Then Mark
picked up Steve and carried him out to the car with Katherine
following close behind in tears.
**********
At the hospital while being examined it was also discovered that
Steve had old and new bruises on his arms and shoulders. Steve
also had marks on his back that look like he was hit by ruler or
something similar. While Steve was in surgery to repair the
damage and the break in his right lower leg, Mark and Katherine
were busy talking with the police and protective services, which
they had called.
"Dr. Sloan how old is your son, Steve and what grade is he
in?" asked Detective Chris Parker.
"Steve is eight years old and he is in the third
grade," answered Mark angrily. Katherine and he were still
very upset and angry on what had happened to Steve.
"What school does he attend?" asked Ms. Terri Phillips,
the caseworker for child protective services.
"Steve attends Webster Elementary School," answered
Katherine angrily.
"Dr. Sloan can you tell me who notified you that your son
was injured?" asked Detective Parker.
"Mr. Murphy, the school principal," answered Mark
angrily.
"Did Mr. Murphy tell you what happened to your son?"
asked Ms. Phillips.
"Mr. Murphy only said that Steve had been seriously injured
and we needed to get to the school as soon as possible. When we
got to the school, the school secretary wouldn't let us see him
until we had spoken with Mr. Murphy." answered Mark sternly.
"Why?" asked Detective Parker.
"Because Mr. Murphy did not know how Steve was
injured," shouted Katherine angrily. "I guess he
thought we did it." And she started to cry.
"Katherine it's okay," Mark said gently and he put his
hand around her shoulder. He took her to the couch and sat her
down. "Why don't you let me finish answering Detective
Parker's and Ms. Phillips' questions.
Katherine sat down but still was listening to what Detective
Parker and Ms. Phillips were asking.
Mark looked at Detective Parker and Ms. Phillips; "This has
been hard on both of us. Please forgive us, we are still very
upset and angry over all of this."
"Ms. Phillips and I understand, Dr. Sloan," answered
Detective Parker gently. "Only a few more questions. I
promise."
"Okay, go ahead," answered Mark firmly.
"Why didn't Mr. Murphy take you to see your son first?"
asked Ms. Phillips. "What did he want to talk to you
about?"
"Mr. Murphy was concerned on how Steve was injured,"
answered Mark a little more calm. Mr. Murphy said that when he
questioned Steve on how he broke his leg that Steve got upset and
yelled that he fell down and to stop asking him anymore
questions. I guess he wanted us to ask Steve to tell us how he
was injured." Then Mark looked at Detective Parker and Ms.
Phillips and said, "Steve might have fallen but he was hit
with an object first to cause that type of injury," he said
as tears came to his eyes.
"Do you know anybody who might of done it and why?"
asked Ms. Phillips getting a cup of coffee for Mark and for
Katherine.
"No," answered Mark angrily. "But we're going to
make sure that whoever did this to Steve is going to pay dearly.
I promise you that."
"Dr. Sloan please don't do anything that you might
regret," said Detective Parker firmly. "Let the police
and child protective services handle the investigation."
Mark just nodded his head yes in disgust.
"Mark tell Detective Parker and Ms. Phillips about Steve's
bruise to his face and his nightmares. And also his fear of going
to school and his behavior of late," said Katherine a little
more calm.
"What bruise?" asked Detective Parker and Ms. Phillips
together.
"Two weeks ago, Katherine picked up Steve from school and he
had a bruise on his face. My wife asked him how he got the bruise
and he said that a basketball hit him on the face. Katherine got
a closer view of the bruise and to her it looked like Steve was
slapped on the face. She told him that it looked like a slap on
the face and asked him if he got into a fight at school. Steve
denied it and swore that he was hit by a basketball. When I got
home from work that day, I questioned him again and again Steve
said that a basketball hit him on the face. When we met with Mr.
Murphy and Coach Hansen, Coach Hansen said that Steve had never
been hit on the face with a basketball and couldn't understand
why Steve would say that he did. After that incident Steve began
having nightmares and he would cry that he did not want to go to
school because he didn't feel good. Also Steve's behavior has
changed from good to bad. His moods changes constantly from being
withdrawn to being aggressive. We were going to request a meeting
with Mr. Murphy concerning Steve's recent behavior when this
incident occurred."
"Dr. Sloan speaking of bruises, do you know how Steve got
all those bruises on his arms and shoulders and also the marks
Steve has on his back?" asked Ms. Phillips.
"No," answered Mark slowly. "But now it makes
sense why Steve only wanted to wear long sleeve shirts. He didn't
want us to see the bruises."
"Dr. Sloan when can Ms. Phillips and I question Steve?"
asked Detective Parker.
"Tomorrow," answered Mark slowly. "Katherine and I
want to be present when you question him."
"That's fine," answered Detective Parker. "I think
that is it for now unless Ms. Phillips has any questions for
you."
They turned to look at Ms. Phillips and she replied, "I have
no further questions. Here is my card," handing Mark the
card. "If you think of something else or need to ask me any
further questions, please feel free to call."
"Katherine and I thank you, Ms. Phillips, Detective Parker
for your time and concern," said Mark as he shook hands with
both of them.
**********
"Mr. Murphy, I'm Detective Parker and this Ms. Phillips from
Child Protective Services," he said introducing Ms.
Phillips.
"How do you do Ms. Phillips, Detective Parker,"
answered Mr. Murphy. "Please have a seat," as he
pointed to two chairs in front of his desk. "How may I help
you?" he asked as he sat down behind his desk.
"We're here concerning a complaint on which a student of
yours, a Steve Sloan was injured by someone in this school. Was
Steve Sloan injured at school?" asked Detective Parker.
"Yes he was," answered Mr. Murphy. "But as to who
and how he was injured is still under investigation."
"What do you mean?" asked Detective Parker firmly.
"Steve told us, he was injured when he fell down,"
began Mr. Murphy. "When I pressed further, Steve got really
upset and shouted I just fell down. Now leave me alone. But
according to Dr. Mark Sloan, Steve's father, Steve was hit by a
hard object causing his leg to bruise and swell. He said that the
hit could have caused his fall and break his leg. But that is
still under investigation until Steve tells us what happened to
him or the two students that I yet have to question
confess."
"What two students?" asked Ms. Phillips. "And how
did you discover this two students?"
"After Dr. Sloan and his wife took Steve to the hospital, I
began to investigate the incident," said Mr. Murphy firmly.
"I began with Steve's teacher, a Mr. Frank Thomas."
"What did Mr. Thomas have to say?" asked Detective
Parker
"According to Mr. Thomas, Steve and a couple of students
have been fighting lately. Mr. Thomas said that these two
students have been picking on Steve since the beginning of the
school year. I asked him why he hadn't reported that to me and
Mr. Thomas said he thought he could handle it. Mr. Thomas said
that he knew the two student's parents and he would see to it
that they would stop picking on Steve."
"What are the names of the two students?" asked
Detective Parker.
"According to Mr. Thomas, the students are Jarrad Willis and
Greg Dalton. Also Mr. Murphy almost swears that he saw Jarrad and
Greg fighting with Steve early this morning. In fact he said that
they hit Steve with a heavy stick and causing him to fall over a
few benches. Mr. Thomas said they would have continued to hit
Steve if he didn't holler at them to stop. I asked him if he
could identify the two students and Mr. Thomas replied yes and
no. No because it all happened so fast and couldn't be certain
and yes because he is almost positive it was Jarrad and Greg. Mr.
Thomas also said he wanted to take Steve to the nurse but Steve
said he was fine. He then told Steve if his leg began to hurt, to
go see the nurse and Steve said he would. Mr. Thomas told me that
he would have reported it earlier but he wanted to make sure it
was Jarrad and Greg before he began to accuse anybody of this
serious offense. Right now I'm expecting Jarrad and Greg. Would
you like to question them?" asked Mr. Murphy firmly.
"We would like to speak to Mr. Thomas first," said
Detective Parker as he looked at Ms. Phillips for confirmation
and she nodded her head in agreement.
"Certainly Detective Parker," replied Mr. Murphy.
"Excuse me one moment." He left his office and walked
to the intercom. Mr. Murphy pushed the room number to Mr. Thomas'
room. "Mr. Thomas," said Mr. Murphy.
"Yes Mr. Murphy," answered Frank.
"I need to see you in my office," replied Mr. Murphy.
"I will send another teacher to cover your class."
"Yes sir, I will be there in a few minutes," answered
Frank. He wondered what Mr. Murphy wanted. He had already told
his story on what happened to Steve. Also he had threatened
Jarrad Willis and Greg Dalton to make sure they told the same
story as he did or they would be in serious trouble. The boys
knew that Mr. Thomas would carry out what he had said. They were
very frightened of him. When he finally reached Mr. Murphy's
office, Frank knocked on his door.
"Come in Mr. Thomas," answered Mr. Murphy.
"Mr. Murphy, you wanted to see me," said Frank as he
entered the office. He looked at the two people who were already
sitting down in the office.
"Yes I did," answered Mr. Murphy. "This is
Detective Parker from the police department and Ms. Phillips from
Child Protective Services."
"Nice to meet you," said Frank cautiously. He shook
hands with both of them.
"They would like to ask you a few questions on what happened
to Steve," continued Mr. Murphy. "Please have a
seat."
"Mr. Murphy, we would like to question Mr. Thomas privately
if you don't mind," said Ms. Phillips firmly.
"No I don't mind at all. Excuse me," said Mr. Murphy
and he got up and left his office closing the door behind him.
"Mr. Thomas will you tell us how a student of yours, a Steve
Sloan was injured?" asked Ms. Phillips firmly.
"Yes Ms. Phillips," answered Frank with a smile.
"I was coming to work this morning when I observed three
students standing on some of the benches by the field, yelling
and screaming at each other. Two of the boys were yelling at
Steve until one of the boys picked up a large heavy stick and
swung it at Steve. Causing him to fall over a few benches. I
yelled at the boys to get away from him and they looked up at me
in surprise. The boys stared at me for a minute and then took off
running to the school. I ran to Steve and asked him if he was all
right. He said he was fine but I could see he was in pain. I told
him that I was taking him to the nurse and Steve said he was fine
and that he didn't think he needed to go see the nurse. I said
okay but if it did hurt he should go see the nurse immediately.
Steve said he would. Then I asked him who were those two boys
that were yelling at him and who was the boy that hit him. Steve
said it was just a misunderstanding and to forget about it. I
told Steve that I needed to report this incident to the principal
and he begged me not to tell him. Steve said that he didn't want
to cause any trouble. I said okay but to myself, as soon as I
find out who those two students were I was going to bring them up
to the office for further discipline."
"And did you find out who those two students were?"
asked Detective Parker firmly.
"Yes, I did and I told Mr. Murphy who they were,"
answered Frank slowly. "Mr. Murphy said he would question
the two students and if he needed anything else from me, he would
send for me."
"Who are these two students?" asked Ms. Phillips
firmly.
"They are Jarrad Willis and Greg Dalton," answered
Frank slowly.
"How old are they and are they in the same grade as
Steve?" asked Detective Parker.
"Yes Jarrad and Greg are in the third grade and in the same
class," replied Frank. "I believe they are both eight
but I can't be positive. You would have to check the school
records for that."
"Is this the first incident that Steve and these two boys
have been involved in?" asked Ms. Phillips.
"No," answered Frank slowly. Jarrad and Greg have been
picking on Steve from the beginning of the school year, but I
didn't report this to Mr. Murphy because I thought I could handle
this situation before it got out of hand. You see I know Jarrad's
and Greg's parents and I told the boys that I would speak to them
if they continued to give Steve trouble. They said they would
leave Steve alone but they didn't."
"What do you mean?" asked Detective Parker firmly.
"About two weeks ago, I heard that Steve was injured but I
didn't know how," began Frank. "I went to Steve's house
to find out if Jarrad and Greg had anything to do with Steve's
injury because if they did I wanted to talk to their parents.
When I got there Dr. Mark Sloan, Steve's father and a very good
friend of mine opened the door and let me in. I told Mark that I
heard that Steve was injured today at school and wanted to make
sure that he was okay. You see Steve is very special to me and I
wanted to make sure he was okay. I asked Mark how Steve was
injured and he said that he would tell me later after I looked at
Steve. Mark said there was a question on how Steve was injured. I
asked him what did he mean and Mark told me just to wait until I
saw Steve. I said okay and Mark called Steve downstairs. I guess
Steve was still pretty upset because he didn't want anybody
looking at his bruise. I told Steve that it was okay that I was
not going to hurt it and just wanted to look at it. I asked him
how he got hurt but Steve wouldn't answer until Mark told him to.
Steve finally said that he got hit by a basketball on the face.
Then he hurried up and turned to his dad and begged to go back to
his room. Mark told him that he could and Steve took off running.
Mark asked me what I thought about the bruise. I told him that it
looked like he got hit by a basketball but Ms. Phillips,
Detective Parker it really looked like he was slapped by another
child. I didn't tell Mark that because I didn't want him to do
anything foolish. I would handle it. I spoke to Steve the next
day and he finally told me it was Jarrad that had slapped him on
the face. But that's not all, I heard that last week Steve,
Randy, Jarrad and Greg were fighting in the playground and were
sent to the office. It turns out that Jarrad and Greg had started
picking on Steve because of a ball. What I understood that Steve
was defending Randy and himself against the Jarrad and Greg. The
boys started to push Randy and Steve first. Steve retaliated by
hitting Jarrad in the stomach over and over again until the
playground teacher put a stop to it and marched them to the
office."
"I see," said Detective Parker slowly. "How does
Steve get along with his other classmates?"
"Steve has a few other friends but I think it is hard for
him to make friends," answered Frank. "He has a
tendency to be shy especially this last few weeks. I think that
Jarrad and Greg have picked on him so much that it is beginning
to show in different areas."
"What do you mean?" asked Ms. Phillips slowly.
"Steve's work here at school is beginning to suffer. I have
talked to Steve's parents about Steve not turning in his homework
last week for the last three days. Also Steve has spend sometime
inside with Ms. Greer or myself in catching up in his work. I
also understand he was being punished at home by his parents for
not doing his homework and for fighting with his sister at home
and at school with Jarrad and Greg."
"I see thank you Mr. Thomas for your time," said
Detective Parker. "If we need to ask you anymore questions
we will make sure to come by the school."
"Please do that," said Frank with a smile. "If you
excuse me, I need to go back to class."
**********
"Detective Parker did you need to see Jarrad Willis and Greg
Dalton?" asked Mr. Murphy as he reentered his office.
"Yes we would but one at a time," answered Detective
Parker.
"Certainly," replied Mr. Murphy and exited his office
again. He went to the intercom again and buzzed, "Mr. Thomas
would you please send Jarrad Willis to the office?"
"Yes Mr. Murphy," replied Frank. "Jarrad, Mr.
Murphy would like to see you in his office."
"Yes sir," answered Jarrad as he slowly got up and
walked in front of Frank and to the door.
Frank walked to meet Jarrad at the door and said, "Remember
what I told Greg and you," said Frank with a threatening
tone and under his breath so he could not be overheard.
Jarrad stared at Frank with a frightened look. "I
remember," he answered in a very frightened but quiet voice.
He quickly opened the door and hurried to the office. When he got
their, Jarrad quietly knocked on Mr. Murphy's door and slightly
opened it. "Mr. Murphy, Mr. Thomas said you wanted to see
me?"
"Yes I did," answered Mr. Murphy. "Please come on
in and seat down."
"Yes sir," answered Jarrad as he stared at Detective
Parker and Ms. Phillips.
"Jarrad, this is Detective Parker from the Police Department
and Ms. Phillips from Children's Protective Services and they
would like to ask you a few questions."
"Yes sir," answered Jarrad as continued to stare at
Detective Parker and Ms. Phillips.
"Jarrad, may I have your full name please?" asked Ms.
Phillips.
"Jarrad Michael Willis," he answered very nervously.
"Jarrad how old are you and what grade are you in?"
asked Ms. Phillips.
"I'm eight years old and I'm in the third grade,"
answered Jarrad nervously.
"Jarrad do you know why you were called to Mr. Murphy's
office?" asked Detective Parker slowly.
"Yes sir," answered Jarrad very slowly. "I'm here
because Mr. Thomas saw Greg and I hit Steve Sloan with a stick
and he had to go to the hospital."
"Can you tell us how it happened?" asked Detective
Parker firmly.
"Yes sir," answered Jarrad slowly. "Early this
morning before school started Greg and I cornered Steve on the
football field by the benches. We were going to get even with
Steve because he got us into trouble with Mr. Murphy and our
parents for fighting."
"When did this happen?" asked Detective Parker.
"Last week," answered Jarrad slowly. "Any ways we
began arguing that if it wasn't for him, we would not be grounded
and have in school suspension. Steve yelled that it was our fault
that we all got into trouble. I became angry and saw a heavy
stick on the ground. I picked it up and intended to scare Steve
with it but when I swung it to scare him, I hit Steve with it
knocking him over the benches. That is when Mr. Thomas saw us and
hollered at us to stop. Greg and I saw Mr. Thomas and took off
running to the school before he could catch us. We didn't know
Steve was really hurt until we were at PE and he tried to walk to
the bathroom. Greg and I didn't mean to really hurt him. Is he
okay?"
"All we know is that Steve is in surgery to repair his
broken leg," answered Ms. Phillips sternly. "Your
parents will be notified to what you both did and will probably
have to pay for Steve's hospital bill. Is that understood?"
"Yes Ms. Phillips," answered Jarrad slowly. "I
didn't mean to hurt Steve. I'm really sorry."
"That's all the questions we have for you," said
Detective Parker. "You may go unless Mr. Murphy has
something to add."
"Yes I do," answered Mr. Murphy sternly. "Jarrad,
your parents will be told what happened here today."
"Yes sir," answered Jarrad slowly.
"And when I speak to your parents, I will inform them that
you will be expelled from school for a week. Is that
understood?" asked Mr. Murphy sternly.
"Yes sir," answered Jarrad very slowly.
"Then you may go back to class and tell Mr. Thomas that I
would like to speak to Greg Dalton," said Mr. Murphy.
"And then you may come back and sit in the outer office
until I contact your parents."
"Yes sir," answered Jarrad as he got up and walked to
the door. He couldn't believe how much trouble he was in. All
because of Mr. Thomas. It wasn't fair but he was too scared to do
anything about it.
Detective Parker and Ms. Phillips got the same story from Greg
and had decided that it was a simple case of students fighting.
But before they would make the final decision, Detective Parker
and Ms. Phillips still had to question Steve.
**********
Mark, Jesse and Amanda arrived at the beach house at the same
time. Mark quickly unlocked the door and went straight to Steve's
apartment. He checked Steve's bedroom. Jesse and Amanda had
followed Mark downstairs to Steve's apartment. They saw how
agitated Mark was getting when he did not find Steve.
"Where can he be?" Mark asked himself loudly. "I
have to find him." Mark took off back upstairs looking all
over Steve.
Jesse and Amanda looked at Mark an thought he might have a
nervous breakdown if he didn't get hold of himself.
Jesse quickly ran up to Mark. "Mark please calm down and
tell us what this is all about. Maybe we can help you find
Steve." He guided Mark to the couch while Amanda went to the
kitchen and returned with a glass of water.
"Here take this and slowly tell us what this is all
about," said Amanda gently.
Mark stared at Jesse and Amanda for a few minutes and finally let
out a big sigh. "You're both right," he said.
"It's not going to help anyone if I panic. It's just when I
saw Frank Thomas on that stretcher it brought all those terrible
memories back and then when I saw Steve's face when he looked at
Frank, all I could see the horror in his eyes. I tried to prevent
Steve from seeing him but it was too late and I will never
forgive myself if something happens to Steve."
"Mark you're not making any sense," Amanda said gently.
"Why don't you start at the beginning."
"Okay, honey," Mark said with a slight smile. "It
had happened long ago when Steve was eight years old and in the
third grade. Ex-friend of mine, Mr. Frank Thomas was his
teacher." Mark looked at Jesse and Amanda with tears in his
eyes. "Mr. Thomas physically abused Steve for about two
weeks before Katherine and I ever found out what was happening to
him."
"Poor Steve," remarked Jesse slowly. "Is that why
he ran out of the doctor's lounge and why you didn't want
anything to do with Mr. Thomas?"
Mark just nodded his head yes.
"Was Mr. Thomas ever charged with abusing Steve?" asked
Amanda gently.
"No. There was not enough evidence to charge him,"
answered Mark. He looked at Jesse and Amanda and they had
confusion written all over their faces. "Let me start at
beginning. Steve was injured at school as a result of being hit
by a hard stick on his right lower leg. The hit caused his leg to
bruise, swell and break his leg. Due to the nature of the injury
I immediately suspected something was not right and when we took
Steve to the hospital, my suspicions were confirmed. I
immediately called the police and children's protective
services." Mark began to tell Jesse and Amanda how Ms.
Phillips and Detective Parker got Steve to reveal that Frank
Thomas was physically abusing him.
**********
Go
To Part Two
