"Hi, Jossy. My name is Mara. I'm here to walk you through what's called a sexual assault forensic exam. You're in charge of how much or how little we do tonight, okay? Nothing happens without your consent."
Jossy blinked at her, barely managing a whisper. "Do I… have to?"
"No," Mara said, crouching down so she was at Jossy's eye level. "This is your choice. But if you want, we can collect evidence that may help if you decide to press charges later. Even if you're not sure right now, we can store it. And I'll explain every step before I do it."
Outside, Noah sat in a chair, elbows on his knees, fists pressed against his forehead. If only he could be with her inside. But he needed to give her some privacy right now.
Back inside, Mara was carrying out the exam. "First, I'll swab for DNA evidence. Then I'll photograph any injuries, with your permission. Finally, we'll collect samples from under your nails, hair, and other areas if you're comfortable. At any point, you can tell me to stop."
Jossy's voice cracked. "Will it hurt?"
"Some parts may be uncomfortable," Mara admitted, "but I'll go slowly. You're safe here. And nothing we do is to blame you, it's all evidence of what was done to you."
Jossy squeezed her eyes shut, tears spilling silently down her cheeks. For a moment she thought she might break, might scream, but then she forced a small nod.
After the exam, the nurses returned immediately with a wheelchair, gently helping Jossy into it.
"First, we need to address the injuries," the ER doctor said softly. "Pain management, antibiotics for any potential infection from the trauma. You'll also get a dose of emergency contraception if you're not currently on any. "
Jossy nodded, swallowing hard. Every touch, every movement, reminded her of Damien's hands, his rage, and the fear she felt.
The nurses began their work systematically, and once done, Mara crouched beside her, gently taking her hand.
"Jossy, we preserved everything from the exam. The swabs, the photographs, the evidence bags are all ready. You can decide if you want to press charges. You don't have to, it's your choice."
Jossy's hands shook. Her chest felt like it might collapse inward, and she looked at Noah who had just walked in. He met her gaze, unflinching. There was no judgment there, only support.
"I want justice," she whispered, her voice fragile. "I can't let him get away with this. He will come looking for me anyway, so I want him stopped."
Mara nodded, her expression soft but professional. "Good. You made the right choice. The Special Victims Unit will be called immediately. They'll handle everything from here, and you won't have to face him alone."
Noah squeezed her hand as he swallowed hard. "That's true Jossy, you're not alone anymore."
Within minutes, two detectives arrived, stepping quietly into the room. They were dressed in plain clothes, calm but authoritative. Detective Mendez introduced herself first.
"Jossy, I'm Detective Mendez, and this is Detective Ramirez. We're here from the Special Victims Unit. You're safe now. Our job is to take care of you, document everything, and make sure Damien Rothwell cannot harm you again. We'll explain every step before it happens."
Jossy's eyes flicked between them, wide and wary. Mara stayed close, still holding her hand for comfort.
Detective Ramirez pulled out a notebook, but spoke gently. "We'll go at your pace. First, we'll take your statement about what happened tonight, and then we'll ask about any prior incidents. You can take breaks, stop, or ask for us to pause at any time. You are in control here."
Jossy nodded faintly, gathering what little strength she had. "I… I can do this," she whispered.
Noah stood just behind her, close enough that she could feel his presence but far enough not to crowd her. Every time she faltered, he brushed his thumb lightly over her hand, a silent promise that she wouldn't face this alone.
Jossy took her time to explain how it all started tonight, and also narrated how all the other nights had transpired. She had lost count of the number of times he had hit her, but tonight had been the worst of them all. Sometimes it was a slap, sometimes he would hit her with an object. She narrated it all.
Detective Mendez crouched next to Jossy's bed, her tone calm and caring. "Jossy, anything you have from before tonight will help us. Pictures, videos, messages, anything showing previous abuse can be used as evidence in your case."