[btc] Mentoring hour
or how social services gets involved
Harry: *knock knock*
Adam: thought I was supposed to knocking as it's your office *grins
Harry: *grins* well seeing as you're inside it and I'm only entering it, I thought it appropriate *closed door and walks in*
Adam: I was early and you weren't there so I let myself in. Hope that's okay.
Harry: *gestures to the seat* if it wasn't, I would have locked the door. Please, sit down. Tea?
Adam: Thanks.
Harry: Had a good week? *grins* And how are those bites healing?
Adam: *blushes slightly* *hand going to neck* They're fine. Know how to look after them. *slight grin* Not as though I haven't had any before.
Harry: *hands over tea, puts plate of jaffa cakes on a pile of journals on the desk* You should. You've been trained to after all.
Adam: *decides I'm not going to comment on that* *takes the tea and helps myself to a jaffa cake* Thanks, Harry.
Harry: *takes one as well* *gets out notepad and pen* Any problems this week? *knows night shift issues tend to be very quiet, or very serious*
Adam: *shakes head* Been quiet as hell for the most part, except for that kid who fell through a window. Still figure there's more there than what her parents said. Kids don't tend to do that stuff in the middle of the night, sleepwalking or not.
Harry: *takes sip of coffee*. And windows are usually strong enough to stop them. sleepwalking doesn't give you super strength
Adam: Yeah, exactly. *pauses* I checked her records. Doesn't have a history of sleepwalking but does have one of accidents. *takes a sip of tea* Wondering if we can get social services involved. Have a feeling there could be some abuse going on.
Harry: *raises eyebrow* what kind of accidents? normal kid type accidents or /accidents/
Adam: *shakes head* Not normal kid type accidents. Made to look like them but can tell the difference.
Harry: *sips coffee...considers for a moment*. Do you have the file handy? If you think there is abuse we can report it. Do you want to or do you want me to?
Adam: *points to your desk* Put it on top when I came in because I wanted to make sure you knew about it. *nods slowly* I think there's abuse, yeah. *quiet for a moment* I'll do it if that's preferable but probably better if you did. *isn't sure I can keep myself totally detached if it is*
Harry: Thank you. *takes file, starts perusing. flips back a few pages, then forward. * 'fell through a window'. 'Fell down the stairs'. 'tripped'? I think I agree with you. Either way either there's abuse or the parents have done a very bad job of childproofing their house and keeping an eye out. either one would be enough to warrant an investigation, I'd say. Tell you what, I'll report it but I'd like a report from you about that last case.
Adam: *Nods* It will be on your desk before the beginning of my next shift. Is that soon enough? *pauses* Thanks.
Harry: yes, but I'll get this in as soon as I can. Not sure what they'll do with it, but at least its reported then. I'll let you know what they say.
Adam: Would appreciate that. *is quiet for a moment, remembering the look in her eyes when her dad spoke to her* *takes another sip of tea*
Harry: actually...why don't we deal with this now? *hands pen and paper*. You write, I'll call. We can fax it through in a minute. *has a nasty thought*. Was there any sign of sexual abuse? I'm sorry, but I have to ask.
Adam: *shakes my head* Checked for that. *Shrugs* Know it happens but often the motivation for the abuse is more complicated than that. And the abuser is very careful to do stuff that can be put down to other things. Sexual abuse especially with girls is more difficult to pass off as something else.
Harry: Good. I know it is, but if that would be grounds for instant removal. You write, I'll call *picks up the phone, references a small card and dials a number*
Adam: *puts down my tea**Hunts around your desk for a pen and paper* *waits* *focuses on detaching myself from the situation and ignores the memories that flash through my mind*
Harry: *passes you a pen as you're hunting, points at a notepad hidden between some papers as I'm talking.* *hangs up*. We should be getting a visitor in about half an hour to an hour.
Adam: *takes the pen and picks up the notebook* *nods* Social services?
Harry: Yes. In fact, you should probably meet this lady. I should probably arrange for you to meet a few other people as well in the near future.
Adam: In case something like this happens again? *nods* Probably a good idea to be on terms with them in case.
Harry: *plays with pen*. You should know who you can access and who your resources are. Aradia is good at what she does. She's not a fool, any parent had better have a good reason why their kid was hurt. *watches you write* *knows this has to be hard for you*
Adam: *nods slowly, thinking I could have done with someone like her* *writes slowly, ignores the fact my hand is shaking slightly* *forces myself to focus on the task at hand* Yeah, but sometimes they can be very convincing, and people don't tend to believe kids.
Harry: *gently* if its giving you trouble don't worry. We can take notes when she's talking to you. *sips coffee and sits back a bit* that's because people are brought up to be sheep. They don't want to rock the boat.
Adam: *gives you a look* *Frowns at your wording* I'm fine. Need to deal with this stuff as I doubt it's going to be the only time I run across it. *deliberately doesn't comment on the other
Harry: *pushes cookies over* yes, but there's no reason why you have to be able to do everything first go. Overachiever or not, if something is hard we can work on it.
Adam: *repeats* I can do this, Harry. It's fine. Thanks.
Harry: *sits back quietly to let you write*
Adam: *outlines what I observed, what was said, the treatment given, interaction between the girl and her parents* *pauses* *adds the interaction between parents* *hands over the notepad* Think that's everything
Harry: *skim reads it* *idly notes your handwriting is better than mine* *notes level of detail*. I think they'll definitely be able to work with this. Thank you.
Adam: No problem. Want to help with this anyway I can. Important kids get the chance to get out an abusive situation if this is what this is before something else happens.
Harry: I know. *wishes someone had been there for you*. *clears throat* Right. Until then, anything else come up?
Adam: *takes another sip of tea* *shakes my head* That was enough. *looks down realising I've said that out loud* Sorry, didn't mean that the way it sounded.
Harry: *waves hand* Don't worry. I know what you mean. I'd be much happier if we could both sit here complaining about how we haven't had anything to do in weeks.
Adam: *nods* Prefer when stuff is happening, but not this. *picks up my tea again* *Stares at it* *Swallows* *isn't sure how I'm going to react, decides that maybe you need to know in case* Sorry, Harry, not a subject I deal with well.
Harry: *takes a sip of coffee. Wonders if this is smart or not.* I know. When I came over you were dreaming.
Adam: *looks up sharply* *looks down again* *quietly* Megabyte told you?
Harry: If it helps any, it doesn't mean I respect you any less. *sips*. I had my suspicions before then and I asked.
Adam: Suspicions? Why? *wonders what the hell I've done*
Harry: you were flinching away from being touched. You were also talking in your sleep. *debates for a moment*. You said...You asked me not to hurt you. I'm sorry.
Adam: *is quiet for a moment* Sorry you had to see that. Usually don't get the dreams so much now. Been a while. *pauses* He's dead now. That helps.
Harry: I'm sorry for bringing it up. I would have ignored what you said in your sleep, what anyone says in their sleep, usually, except in this kind of instance. I needed to know if it was old or current. I'm sorry. You settled right down when Megabyte sat down next to you and that gave me the answer. He just confirmed it when I asked. *figures I've put my foot in it there*. I'm sorry. I like both of you, but I had to know.
Adam: Current? *stands up and puts my cup on your desk, banging it down* Fuck, Harry, we're happily married. He'd never hurt me. Don't you ever imply that. *clenches my fists* *very very quietly* The nightmares stopped because of him, because for the first time in my life I felt safe.
Harry: *quietly*. I'm sorry. married isn't always happy. You know that as well as I do. You've seen that here and in a&e. You'll have to forgive me for caring enough to check. Heaven forfend, I'd rather not think that about any of my friends either. But I can't turn a blind eye either. I'd rather lose your respect, his respect, and both of your friendships than do that. I needed to know.
Adam: Yes I know married isn't happy. God do I know it. *shivers thinking about how he hit her* *bites my lip trying to get myself under control* I know that. Appreciate that. *voice is very flat* *reaches for MB through the bond, using his presence, even though he's asleep to steady myself* *feels relief he is asleep*
Harry: *figures he's stepped in it again somehow.* *gets up* I'm sorry. I'm going to go downstairs and I'm going to see if Aradia has arrived already. You're welcome to stay here if you want in the mean time.
Adam: *looks at you* *very quietly* He hit her. He used to hit her, okay? And then he killed her. So yeah I know marriages don't always work.
Harry: I'm sorry. Both for you and for her. And I'm sorry I upset you. But I can't go through that again. I don't want to watch that happen again.
Adam: *frowns* Again? Harry, you okay?
Harry: I had a sister once. She developed a knack for walking into doors when her husband was home. She went from a lovely young woman to a nursing home.
Adam: Sorry. Know how hard that would have been for you. *quietly* Did he ever get prosecuted?
Harry: *reaches into a drawer, pulls out a small frame* . No. there wasn't enough evidence. Partly because when she refused to go to hospital I would help her. So I'm sorry if I upset you, and I'm sorry if when you tell Megabyte he's upset too. But I can't not.
And to be honest, if you came across the reverse situation I would fully be expecting you to be checking on the same.
Adam: *nods slowly* Yeah, I would. Reason I want to make sure this kid gets help if she needs it. *pauses* Spenser only got found out and something done because he killed Mum, and I testified once I got out of hospital. Been going on for years. Was a cop so no one wanted to believe it. *looks at the photo* She's very pretty.
Harry: police, fire brigade and the medical profession all have better chances of covering it up. they have the know how and the standing. It should never have got that far. You shouldn't have had to have testified. *tucks photo away*. She was. Before she spent years on a life support machine. I still go visit her but to all intents and purposes, she has no clue who anyone is.
Adam: *shakes head* No other witnesses. My sister left home years before. Wanted to make sure he never did it again to anyone. *bites my lip* I'm so sorry, Harry. this stuff never stops hurting,know that.
Harry: *walks to the door*. I'll be back shortly. Make yourself at home. No, it doesn't. So I'm sorry I brought it up. But you did and you are doing the right thing.
Adam: Don't be sorry. Prefer you knew. Trust you. *softly* You gonna be okay?
Harry: *slight smile*. I'm glad you trust me enough for that. I'll be fine. I've had a long time to try and come to terms with it. *walks out*
Adam: *watches you leave* *sighs* *drains my tea and helps myself to a jaffa biscuit* *wipes at my eyes* *Softly* Takes a long time, Harry. Not sure it's something I ever will. *isn't sure you have either*
Harry: *takes a few minute out to visit the mens room and freshen up **goes downstairs to see if Aradia has already arrived. * *arrives back upstairs with her in tow, taking a few minutes to get her a drink as well* *taps on the door softly to give you a warning before coming in*
Adam: *makes myself another cup of tea* *takes several deep breaths to refocus and calm myself**reaches for MB again* *smiles when I feel him respond in kind even though he's asleep* *looks up as I hear the noise at the door*
Harry: *opens door and for once goes in first* Doctor Newman? This is Aradia Jones, from social services. Miss Jones, my colleague, Doctor Newman.
Adam: *rises to my feet* *puts my hand out* Nice to meet you, Miss Jones.
Aradia: *shakes your hand* You too Doctor. *gives you a quick look over* Now, shall we drop the formalities and get down to business?
Harry: *shakes head* Coffee?
Aradia: *Sits down* Please, Harry. No sugar. I'm watching my weight *pats stomach*.
Adam: *smiles* *sits down again* If we're dropping formalities, it's Adam. Please.
(side note, Aradia is maybe as young as 50, has black hair streaked liberally with grey in a bun and is wearing small reading glasses and a suit. She is not carrying any extra weight at all)
Aradia: Good, in that case I'm Aradia. *takes out notebook and pen*. Now, lets take it from the top. What's the problem? *looks from one to another*
Adam: *glances at Harry, not sure whether he wants to start*
Harry: *looks back* Had a little girl in here earlier this week. Adam treated her, but her file itself is cause for concern. He concurs that there is a possible problem with that family. *puts down fresh coffee for her and himself, notes Adam has got some* *takes out more biscuits and puts them on the plate*
Aradia:Right. Tell me about the latest incident first?
Adam: Last night. Her parents brought her in. Said she'd fallen through a glass window.
Aradia: *raises eyebrow*. ground floor or higher?
Adam: Ground floor.
Aradia: A child falls through a ground floor window that is ..what, waist high on an adult to start with? How old was she?
Adam: Seven. *pauses* And it was in the middle of the night. It's not very likely. I asked if it was a glass door or window. Their house doesn't have any glass doors or ranchsliders.
Aradia: *makes note* A child of seven should be in bed by then anyway. How badly was she hurt?
Adam: Lacerations, bruising. *swallows, keeping my voice firm* Bruising around the wrist too. Parents said it was when they grabbed her when she fell. Also noticed other older bruising too still fading which isn't on her records. *pauses* She was wearing a long sleeve shirt.
Aradia: *frowns* *makes notes*. How was she acting towards her parents?
Adam: Not scared of them, but noticed she was hesitating before answering. Mother seemed more nervous than her father.
Aradia: What about her choice of words? did it seem repetitive or spontaneous?
Adam: Repetitive. *hesitates, mind flashing back* I'd say rehearsed but that's my opinion and gut feeling so not exactly something that can be quoted.
Aradia: *looks up* I'm not going to quote you. The girl - and what is her name anyway? - will be the deciding factor for any action. That and her records. If you two say it needs looking into then I trust your medical opinions. What I need to know is how urgent this is, and if you're willing to stand up in court and report your findings if necessary. *looks from one to another*
Harry:I'm willing to testify to the likely hood of this volume of incidents being accidental or not, as it looks. Sorry Aradia. Too many incidents on a yearly basis.
Adam: *very slowly* I'll testify if you need me to. *pauses* Her name is Vicky.
Aradia: Aradia: *makes note* *looks over glasses*. I don't think we'll need it. In fact, I hope we don't. That said, it depends on a home visit and what that shows up. Now, on a scale of one to ten, how urgent would you rate it? Urgent being danger of further injury. If you give me a score over ten I'll assume life threatening.
Harry: A seven or an eight. Adam?
Adam: It's been going on a while. Only needs something to happen to push it over. I wouldn't wait till it does. Give it whatever it takes to get it looked into as soon as possible. So if that's over ten, make it that.
Aradia: *nods* In that case, I appear to have my plans cut out for me. I'm going to need something to get a judge to sign off on a home visit. Harry?
Harry: *grins* Where did you put that report, Adam?
Adam: *gets up and grabs it off your desk* *hands it to you* All the details I told you are in here, plus a few more.
Aradia: *rolls eyes* You're getting others to do your work for you now, Harry? *turns to Adam* Thank you Adam.
Harry: *sips coffee* *nods to Adam* there's your treating physician. I'm merely supervising.
Adam: *shrugs* It was no trouble, and I was the one who treated her.
Aradia: *smiles at Adam* I appreciate it, don't kid yourself. That doesn't stop me taking the mickey out of Harry. After all, he supplies me with far more work than I do him.
Adam: *grins* He's good at that.
Harry: *Smiles* Hey, I resemble that remark.
Aradia: Aradia: *stands up with papers*. I'll let you know. Off the record, of course.
Adam: *quietly* Thank you. *sneaks a look at my watch*
Aradia: *Shakes Harry's hand, holds out my hand to you* Adam, it was a pleasure meeting you.
Adam: *shakes your hand* Nice to meet you too, Aradia.
Aradia: *walks out, heels clicking. *
Harry: *caught you sneaking a look at your watch* If you want to leave from here, feel free. you're only a few minutes from clocking off.
Adam: *looks sheepish* Sorry, Harry, was trying to be discrete. *pauses* Kinda want to get home to Megabyte especially after what we've been talking about.
Harry: *waves hand*. Go. I think we've said all that needs to be said, don't you? I've got work to do anyway. Try and get some sleep?
Adam: Thanks, Harry. *collects the cups and puts them in the sink for you* *pauses at the door* You need to talk any time, know where to find me, okay?
Harry: *smiles* Thank you Adam. Same in reverse. I know I sometimes put my foot in it but I can listen.
Adam: *smiles* We all do that, Harry. Had a lot thrown at you, and weird stuff. Took on an intern not a guy with powers and his family. Lot of issues to avoid and not stuff you'd expect.
Harry: Interns are guys or girls with family and nobody comes without baggage. Yours is slightly more extreme, I'll grant you, but its still just baggage. Besides, you took on a supervisor. You got me.
Adam: No regrets on that one, Harry. Been very good to me, to all of us. You're a good guy.
Harry: No Adam, I haven't. I've managed to put my foot in it at every turn if not more often and been imposing to the point that both Megabyte and Relena seem to think it is their mission to feed me. That's not what you signed up for.
Adam: *grins* Megabyte and Relena do that. Just wait till Kev's Aunt Ruth meets you. She's worse than they are at that. Way worse. Feeds everyone.
Harry: *privately thinks that kind of meeting is very very unlikely*. Go on, get going. Unless you want to make up that time?
Adam: *grins* I'm going. See you later, Harry. Don't work too hard, okay? *pauses* And thanks.
Harry: Your welcome. See you tomorrow *waits till you disappear, then digs around in a drawer for a few painkillers and decides to tackle the mound of reports to be written*
Harry: *knock knock*
Adam: thought I was supposed to knocking as it's your office *grins
Harry: *grins* well seeing as you're inside it and I'm only entering it, I thought it appropriate *closed door and walks in*
Adam: I was early and you weren't there so I let myself in. Hope that's okay.
Harry: *gestures to the seat* if it wasn't, I would have locked the door. Please, sit down. Tea?
Adam: Thanks.
Harry: Had a good week? *grins* And how are those bites healing?
Adam: *blushes slightly* *hand going to neck* They're fine. Know how to look after them. *slight grin* Not as though I haven't had any before.
Harry: *hands over tea, puts plate of jaffa cakes on a pile of journals on the desk* You should. You've been trained to after all.
Adam: *decides I'm not going to comment on that* *takes the tea and helps myself to a jaffa cake* Thanks, Harry.
Harry: *takes one as well* *gets out notepad and pen* Any problems this week? *knows night shift issues tend to be very quiet, or very serious*
Adam: *shakes head* Been quiet as hell for the most part, except for that kid who fell through a window. Still figure there's more there than what her parents said. Kids don't tend to do that stuff in the middle of the night, sleepwalking or not.
Harry: *takes sip of coffee*. And windows are usually strong enough to stop them. sleepwalking doesn't give you super strength
Adam: Yeah, exactly. *pauses* I checked her records. Doesn't have a history of sleepwalking but does have one of accidents. *takes a sip of tea* Wondering if we can get social services involved. Have a feeling there could be some abuse going on.
Harry: *raises eyebrow* what kind of accidents? normal kid type accidents or /accidents/
Adam: *shakes head* Not normal kid type accidents. Made to look like them but can tell the difference.
Harry: *sips coffee...considers for a moment*. Do you have the file handy? If you think there is abuse we can report it. Do you want to or do you want me to?
Adam: *points to your desk* Put it on top when I came in because I wanted to make sure you knew about it. *nods slowly* I think there's abuse, yeah. *quiet for a moment* I'll do it if that's preferable but probably better if you did. *isn't sure I can keep myself totally detached if it is*
Harry: Thank you. *takes file, starts perusing. flips back a few pages, then forward. * 'fell through a window'. 'Fell down the stairs'. 'tripped'? I think I agree with you. Either way either there's abuse or the parents have done a very bad job of childproofing their house and keeping an eye out. either one would be enough to warrant an investigation, I'd say. Tell you what, I'll report it but I'd like a report from you about that last case.
Adam: *Nods* It will be on your desk before the beginning of my next shift. Is that soon enough? *pauses* Thanks.
Harry: yes, but I'll get this in as soon as I can. Not sure what they'll do with it, but at least its reported then. I'll let you know what they say.
Adam: Would appreciate that. *is quiet for a moment, remembering the look in her eyes when her dad spoke to her* *takes another sip of tea*
Harry: actually...why don't we deal with this now? *hands pen and paper*. You write, I'll call. We can fax it through in a minute. *has a nasty thought*. Was there any sign of sexual abuse? I'm sorry, but I have to ask.
Adam: *shakes my head* Checked for that. *Shrugs* Know it happens but often the motivation for the abuse is more complicated than that. And the abuser is very careful to do stuff that can be put down to other things. Sexual abuse especially with girls is more difficult to pass off as something else.
Harry: Good. I know it is, but if that would be grounds for instant removal. You write, I'll call *picks up the phone, references a small card and dials a number*
Adam: *puts down my tea**Hunts around your desk for a pen and paper* *waits* *focuses on detaching myself from the situation and ignores the memories that flash through my mind*
Harry: *passes you a pen as you're hunting, points at a notepad hidden between some papers as I'm talking.* *hangs up*. We should be getting a visitor in about half an hour to an hour.
Adam: *takes the pen and picks up the notebook* *nods* Social services?
Harry: Yes. In fact, you should probably meet this lady. I should probably arrange for you to meet a few other people as well in the near future.
Adam: In case something like this happens again? *nods* Probably a good idea to be on terms with them in case.
Harry: *plays with pen*. You should know who you can access and who your resources are. Aradia is good at what she does. She's not a fool, any parent had better have a good reason why their kid was hurt. *watches you write* *knows this has to be hard for you*
Adam: *nods slowly, thinking I could have done with someone like her* *writes slowly, ignores the fact my hand is shaking slightly* *forces myself to focus on the task at hand* Yeah, but sometimes they can be very convincing, and people don't tend to believe kids.
Harry: *gently* if its giving you trouble don't worry. We can take notes when she's talking to you. *sips coffee and sits back a bit* that's because people are brought up to be sheep. They don't want to rock the boat.
Adam: *gives you a look* *Frowns at your wording* I'm fine. Need to deal with this stuff as I doubt it's going to be the only time I run across it. *deliberately doesn't comment on the other
Harry: *pushes cookies over* yes, but there's no reason why you have to be able to do everything first go. Overachiever or not, if something is hard we can work on it.
Adam: *repeats* I can do this, Harry. It's fine. Thanks.
Harry: *sits back quietly to let you write*
Adam: *outlines what I observed, what was said, the treatment given, interaction between the girl and her parents* *pauses* *adds the interaction between parents* *hands over the notepad* Think that's everything
Harry: *skim reads it* *idly notes your handwriting is better than mine* *notes level of detail*. I think they'll definitely be able to work with this. Thank you.
Adam: No problem. Want to help with this anyway I can. Important kids get the chance to get out an abusive situation if this is what this is before something else happens.
Harry: I know. *wishes someone had been there for you*. *clears throat* Right. Until then, anything else come up?
Adam: *takes another sip of tea* *shakes my head* That was enough. *looks down realising I've said that out loud* Sorry, didn't mean that the way it sounded.
Harry: *waves hand* Don't worry. I know what you mean. I'd be much happier if we could both sit here complaining about how we haven't had anything to do in weeks.
Adam: *nods* Prefer when stuff is happening, but not this. *picks up my tea again* *Stares at it* *Swallows* *isn't sure how I'm going to react, decides that maybe you need to know in case* Sorry, Harry, not a subject I deal with well.
Harry: *takes a sip of coffee. Wonders if this is smart or not.* I know. When I came over you were dreaming.
Adam: *looks up sharply* *looks down again* *quietly* Megabyte told you?
Harry: If it helps any, it doesn't mean I respect you any less. *sips*. I had my suspicions before then and I asked.
Adam: Suspicions? Why? *wonders what the hell I've done*
Harry: you were flinching away from being touched. You were also talking in your sleep. *debates for a moment*. You said...You asked me not to hurt you. I'm sorry.
Adam: *is quiet for a moment* Sorry you had to see that. Usually don't get the dreams so much now. Been a while. *pauses* He's dead now. That helps.
Harry: I'm sorry for bringing it up. I would have ignored what you said in your sleep, what anyone says in their sleep, usually, except in this kind of instance. I needed to know if it was old or current. I'm sorry. You settled right down when Megabyte sat down next to you and that gave me the answer. He just confirmed it when I asked. *figures I've put my foot in it there*. I'm sorry. I like both of you, but I had to know.
Adam: Current? *stands up and puts my cup on your desk, banging it down* Fuck, Harry, we're happily married. He'd never hurt me. Don't you ever imply that. *clenches my fists* *very very quietly* The nightmares stopped because of him, because for the first time in my life I felt safe.
Harry: *quietly*. I'm sorry. married isn't always happy. You know that as well as I do. You've seen that here and in a&e. You'll have to forgive me for caring enough to check. Heaven forfend, I'd rather not think that about any of my friends either. But I can't turn a blind eye either. I'd rather lose your respect, his respect, and both of your friendships than do that. I needed to know.
Adam: Yes I know married isn't happy. God do I know it. *shivers thinking about how he hit her* *bites my lip trying to get myself under control* I know that. Appreciate that. *voice is very flat* *reaches for MB through the bond, using his presence, even though he's asleep to steady myself* *feels relief he is asleep*
Harry: *figures he's stepped in it again somehow.* *gets up* I'm sorry. I'm going to go downstairs and I'm going to see if Aradia has arrived already. You're welcome to stay here if you want in the mean time.
Adam: *looks at you* *very quietly* He hit her. He used to hit her, okay? And then he killed her. So yeah I know marriages don't always work.
Harry: I'm sorry. Both for you and for her. And I'm sorry I upset you. But I can't go through that again. I don't want to watch that happen again.
Adam: *frowns* Again? Harry, you okay?
Harry: I had a sister once. She developed a knack for walking into doors when her husband was home. She went from a lovely young woman to a nursing home.
Adam: Sorry. Know how hard that would have been for you. *quietly* Did he ever get prosecuted?
Harry: *reaches into a drawer, pulls out a small frame* . No. there wasn't enough evidence. Partly because when she refused to go to hospital I would help her. So I'm sorry if I upset you, and I'm sorry if when you tell Megabyte he's upset too. But I can't not.
And to be honest, if you came across the reverse situation I would fully be expecting you to be checking on the same.
Adam: *nods slowly* Yeah, I would. Reason I want to make sure this kid gets help if she needs it. *pauses* Spenser only got found out and something done because he killed Mum, and I testified once I got out of hospital. Been going on for years. Was a cop so no one wanted to believe it. *looks at the photo* She's very pretty.
Harry: police, fire brigade and the medical profession all have better chances of covering it up. they have the know how and the standing. It should never have got that far. You shouldn't have had to have testified. *tucks photo away*. She was. Before she spent years on a life support machine. I still go visit her but to all intents and purposes, she has no clue who anyone is.
Adam: *shakes head* No other witnesses. My sister left home years before. Wanted to make sure he never did it again to anyone. *bites my lip* I'm so sorry, Harry. this stuff never stops hurting,know that.
Harry: *walks to the door*. I'll be back shortly. Make yourself at home. No, it doesn't. So I'm sorry I brought it up. But you did and you are doing the right thing.
Adam: Don't be sorry. Prefer you knew. Trust you. *softly* You gonna be okay?
Harry: *slight smile*. I'm glad you trust me enough for that. I'll be fine. I've had a long time to try and come to terms with it. *walks out*
Adam: *watches you leave* *sighs* *drains my tea and helps myself to a jaffa biscuit* *wipes at my eyes* *Softly* Takes a long time, Harry. Not sure it's something I ever will. *isn't sure you have either*
Harry: *takes a few minute out to visit the mens room and freshen up **goes downstairs to see if Aradia has already arrived. * *arrives back upstairs with her in tow, taking a few minutes to get her a drink as well* *taps on the door softly to give you a warning before coming in*
Adam: *makes myself another cup of tea* *takes several deep breaths to refocus and calm myself**reaches for MB again* *smiles when I feel him respond in kind even though he's asleep* *looks up as I hear the noise at the door*
Harry: *opens door and for once goes in first* Doctor Newman? This is Aradia Jones, from social services. Miss Jones, my colleague, Doctor Newman.
Adam: *rises to my feet* *puts my hand out* Nice to meet you, Miss Jones.
Aradia: *shakes your hand* You too Doctor. *gives you a quick look over* Now, shall we drop the formalities and get down to business?
Harry: *shakes head* Coffee?
Aradia: *Sits down* Please, Harry. No sugar. I'm watching my weight *pats stomach*.
Adam: *smiles* *sits down again* If we're dropping formalities, it's Adam. Please.
(side note, Aradia is maybe as young as 50, has black hair streaked liberally with grey in a bun and is wearing small reading glasses and a suit. She is not carrying any extra weight at all)
Aradia: Good, in that case I'm Aradia. *takes out notebook and pen*. Now, lets take it from the top. What's the problem? *looks from one to another*
Adam: *glances at Harry, not sure whether he wants to start*
Harry: *looks back* Had a little girl in here earlier this week. Adam treated her, but her file itself is cause for concern. He concurs that there is a possible problem with that family. *puts down fresh coffee for her and himself, notes Adam has got some* *takes out more biscuits and puts them on the plate*
Aradia:Right. Tell me about the latest incident first?
Adam: Last night. Her parents brought her in. Said she'd fallen through a glass window.
Aradia: *raises eyebrow*. ground floor or higher?
Adam: Ground floor.
Aradia: A child falls through a ground floor window that is ..what, waist high on an adult to start with? How old was she?
Adam: Seven. *pauses* And it was in the middle of the night. It's not very likely. I asked if it was a glass door or window. Their house doesn't have any glass doors or ranchsliders.
Aradia: *makes note* A child of seven should be in bed by then anyway. How badly was she hurt?
Adam: Lacerations, bruising. *swallows, keeping my voice firm* Bruising around the wrist too. Parents said it was when they grabbed her when she fell. Also noticed other older bruising too still fading which isn't on her records. *pauses* She was wearing a long sleeve shirt.
Aradia: *frowns* *makes notes*. How was she acting towards her parents?
Adam: Not scared of them, but noticed she was hesitating before answering. Mother seemed more nervous than her father.
Aradia: What about her choice of words? did it seem repetitive or spontaneous?
Adam: Repetitive. *hesitates, mind flashing back* I'd say rehearsed but that's my opinion and gut feeling so not exactly something that can be quoted.
Aradia: *looks up* I'm not going to quote you. The girl - and what is her name anyway? - will be the deciding factor for any action. That and her records. If you two say it needs looking into then I trust your medical opinions. What I need to know is how urgent this is, and if you're willing to stand up in court and report your findings if necessary. *looks from one to another*
Harry:I'm willing to testify to the likely hood of this volume of incidents being accidental or not, as it looks. Sorry Aradia. Too many incidents on a yearly basis.
Adam: *very slowly* I'll testify if you need me to. *pauses* Her name is Vicky.
Aradia: Aradia: *makes note* *looks over glasses*. I don't think we'll need it. In fact, I hope we don't. That said, it depends on a home visit and what that shows up. Now, on a scale of one to ten, how urgent would you rate it? Urgent being danger of further injury. If you give me a score over ten I'll assume life threatening.
Harry: A seven or an eight. Adam?
Adam: It's been going on a while. Only needs something to happen to push it over. I wouldn't wait till it does. Give it whatever it takes to get it looked into as soon as possible. So if that's over ten, make it that.
Aradia: *nods* In that case, I appear to have my plans cut out for me. I'm going to need something to get a judge to sign off on a home visit. Harry?
Harry: *grins* Where did you put that report, Adam?
Adam: *gets up and grabs it off your desk* *hands it to you* All the details I told you are in here, plus a few more.
Aradia: *rolls eyes* You're getting others to do your work for you now, Harry? *turns to Adam* Thank you Adam.
Harry: *sips coffee* *nods to Adam* there's your treating physician. I'm merely supervising.
Adam: *shrugs* It was no trouble, and I was the one who treated her.
Aradia: *smiles at Adam* I appreciate it, don't kid yourself. That doesn't stop me taking the mickey out of Harry. After all, he supplies me with far more work than I do him.
Adam: *grins* He's good at that.
Harry: *Smiles* Hey, I resemble that remark.
Aradia: Aradia: *stands up with papers*. I'll let you know. Off the record, of course.
Adam: *quietly* Thank you. *sneaks a look at my watch*
Aradia: *Shakes Harry's hand, holds out my hand to you* Adam, it was a pleasure meeting you.
Adam: *shakes your hand* Nice to meet you too, Aradia.
Aradia: *walks out, heels clicking. *
Harry: *caught you sneaking a look at your watch* If you want to leave from here, feel free. you're only a few minutes from clocking off.
Adam: *looks sheepish* Sorry, Harry, was trying to be discrete. *pauses* Kinda want to get home to Megabyte especially after what we've been talking about.
Harry: *waves hand*. Go. I think we've said all that needs to be said, don't you? I've got work to do anyway. Try and get some sleep?
Adam: Thanks, Harry. *collects the cups and puts them in the sink for you* *pauses at the door* You need to talk any time, know where to find me, okay?
Harry: *smiles* Thank you Adam. Same in reverse. I know I sometimes put my foot in it but I can listen.
Adam: *smiles* We all do that, Harry. Had a lot thrown at you, and weird stuff. Took on an intern not a guy with powers and his family. Lot of issues to avoid and not stuff you'd expect.
Harry: Interns are guys or girls with family and nobody comes without baggage. Yours is slightly more extreme, I'll grant you, but its still just baggage. Besides, you took on a supervisor. You got me.
Adam: No regrets on that one, Harry. Been very good to me, to all of us. You're a good guy.
Harry: No Adam, I haven't. I've managed to put my foot in it at every turn if not more often and been imposing to the point that both Megabyte and Relena seem to think it is their mission to feed me. That's not what you signed up for.
Adam: *grins* Megabyte and Relena do that. Just wait till Kev's Aunt Ruth meets you. She's worse than they are at that. Way worse. Feeds everyone.
Harry: *privately thinks that kind of meeting is very very unlikely*. Go on, get going. Unless you want to make up that time?
Adam: *grins* I'm going. See you later, Harry. Don't work too hard, okay? *pauses* And thanks.
Harry: Your welcome. See you tomorrow *waits till you disappear, then digs around in a drawer for a few painkillers and decides to tackle the mound of reports to be written*