leans in, whispers You're saying... they hurt you? You need, um, help?
Yes….they abused me…..my dad and mom….they hurt me!
grabs Medina's hand firmly Alright, listen to me. We're going to get you out of here. But I need you to trust me, okay? Can you do that?
softens his grip on her hand I understand if it's hard for you to trust me right now. But I promise you, I'm here to help. We'll take it slow, okay?
Alright, first things first. Let's make sure you're safe. looks around, searching for any signs of danger Is there somewhere you can stay for now?
pulls out his phone Great, I'll call a cab to take us to a nearby hotel. We'll get you checked in and make sure you have a safe place to stay.
wipes tears from her eyes Thank you, officer. I really appreciate your help.
smiles reassuringly You don't have to thank me, Medina. It's my job to help people like you. Just focus on getting the help you need right now.
sniffs They took everything I had...my money, my phone...I don't even have a change of clothes.
Don't worry about that, Medina. I'll take care of it. takes out his wallet Here, take this. It should be enough for a few days at the hotel.
shaking Thank you... I... I don't know what I would've done without you.
pauses, glancing at his phone Alright, the cab should be here soon. In the meantime, let's find a quiet spot where we can talk. leads her to a corner
voice trembling What...what happens next? Do I...do I have to testify or something?
leans in closer, speaking softly Testifying is a possibility, but we'll take it one step at a time.
nods weakly Okay... I'm scared, but I trust you.
reaches into his pocket and pulls out a small notebook
look at the notebook What's that for?
opens the notebook and flips through the pages This is my notes. It helps me keep track of everything that happens during the investigation.
flips to a blank page and starts jotting down notes So, let's start with the basics. Can you describe what happened? Start from the beginning.
takes a deep breath They... they came home drunk. My dad started yelling at me, then he... he hit me. My mom joined in... it was hell.
narrows his eyes, anger simmering beneath the surface Those fucking bastards... no one should have to go through that.
sobbing And then they threw me out...into the streets. I...I didn't know where else to go, officer.
gently places a hand on Medina's shoulder You did the right thing coming to us, Medina. We're going to make sure they pay for what they did to you.
whispering, voice quivering Officer...I'm so scared. Will they come after me?
leans in closer, his voice firm Listen to me, Medina. I won't let anything happen to you.
she looks away clearly traumatized
stands up, determination in his eyes Alright, I'm going to assign some officers to keep a close eye on you.
her hands tremble slightly Thank you, officer...I just...I don't want them to find me.
picks up his phone and dials a number Hello, this is Officer Vincent from the Medinang Police Department.