A New Beginning (Second Chance #1) (2 page)

As Trent walked out the door he looked back and saw Mrs. Jones leading Karla into the small office beside the front desk. He shook his head and smiled. That’s one frightened little girl, he thought to himself as he pulled his cell phone from his pocket and called his Captain.

“Captain McGraw” A gruff voice answered after the second ring.

“Captain, Greeves here. We have a bit of a situation at Jones’ Market over here on fourth. A young girl, between the ages of eleven and thirteen, is in here and I caught her shoplifting. Now, normally I’d just make her return what she took and take her home, but this situation is more complicated than that. There are visible signs of abuse and neglect, she’s scared to death just talking to me and she doesn’t trust that I’m a police officer. I think she’s afraid I’m gonna hurt her.”

“What are you thinking about doing? Procedure says you have to arrest her or take her home.” McGraw said in his deep, gravelly voice.

“There’s no way I’m taking her home, plus she said her mom and her mom’s boyfriend weren’t there. I have a favor to ask, sir. I need you to come down here in your Captain’s uniform and talk to her. Maybe then she’ll believe I’m a cop and will give us some more information.”

“Son, you’re lucky I have a press conference later today and I’m already in my uniform or you’d be gettin’ a flat out NO to that request. Since I am, I’ll be there in about fifteen minutes, ten if I use my lights and sirens.”

Trent chuckled a little at the thought of straight laced McGraw abusing his position to get somewhere faster. “I’ll see ya in fifteen sir.” Trent responded before he ended the call, slid his phone back into his pocket and walked back inside the air conditioned market.

When Trent looked in the office he saw Karla and Mrs. Jones sitting side by side on the small couch, looking through photo albums. He stood there and watched them for a minute, remembering all the time he spent in this very office as a child, before he cleared his throat to let them know he’s there.

Karla jumped like she’d been shot at and looked up at Trent with a deer in the headlights expression on her face. She kept her eyes on him as he slowly moved into the office and sat in the chair beside the small desk. “Captain McGraw will be here in a few minutes so you can see that I am really a police officer,” Trent said to Karla. “Would you like to see my badge before he gets here?”

Karla nodded and murmured, “Yes, sir. If you don’t mind.”

Trent pulled his badge from his pocket and handed it to Karla. She took it from his hand, without touching him, and looked at it intently for a couple of minutes before handing it back to him. Her fear seemed to ease just a bit as she looked at Mrs. Jones and asked in a soft voice, “Can I please use the restroom ma’am?”

Mrs. Jones looked at Karla with kind eyes, “Sure honey, the bathroom is right over yonder on the other side of the desk.” When Karla went into the bathroom and shut the door Mrs. Jones looked at Trent with sad eyes and said, “That child’s been beat by somebody.”

“Yeah, that was my observation too ma’am.”

“Young man don’t you go all official soundin’ on me. I remember when you were nothing but a scared little kid yourself, comin’ in here talkin’ like you were all big and tough. Ya found a nice family who straightened ya out. Now, what’re ya gonna do about that scared little girl in there?”

Unable to hide his smile at her words, Trent just shook his head. “That’s not my call, but I can tell ya the Captain won’t send her home. Not with those bruises.”

“That Captain of yours better not or he’ll have me to answer to. I may be old, but I can still whip his scrawny butt.”

Just then they heard the automatic doors swish open and stood up. When they walked out of the office Captain McGraw was standing by the counter in full uniform. “Alright son, where’s this little girl I need to talk to?”

Karla walked out of the office, took one look at Captain McGraw and burst into tears.

Karla was crying for the first time in years. She couldn’t remember when the last time was that she’d cried, but she knew it was before Pops had died, and she had just turned eight when that happened. As her tears started to slow she looked up at the three adults in the room.

Mrs. Jones was looking at her with concern in her eyes, Trent was looking at her with a worried expression and the man she assumed was Trent’s Captain, was looking at her in confusion. When Trent offered her a handkerchief she took it and wiped her eyes. “Thank you, sir. I’m sorry, I usually don’t cry like that.”

“Karla, honey, it’s alright to cry. We all cry at times, even me.”

“Not me, I haven’t cried in a long time.”

“Karla, if you’re feelin’ better can we have that talk now?” Trent asked, cautiously.

Karla sniffed loudly and nodded her head. “Yes sir, I’m good now.”

“Karla, I’m Captain McGraw. Can you answer a few questions for me?”

“Yes sir.”

“Detective Greeves tells me your name is Karla Ann Hall.” Karla nodded and Captain McGraw continued, “Can you tell me your mama’s name?”

“Diane Virginia Hall”

“Okay Karla, thank you. Where are you from?”

“Well, we’ve moved around a lot, but we came to Nashville from Daytona Beach Florida about six weeks ago.”

“Alright, where do you live here in Nashville?”

“In an apartment over a recording studio on Second Avenue.”

****

As Captain McGraw questioned Karla, Trent walked out of the office to run her mom’s name and see if he could track her down. He called his partner to have her name run. “Lieutenant, I need a name run through here and Daytona Beach Florida.”

“Hit me with it partner.”

“Diane Virginia Hall, I don’t know her age.”

“Running it now and I’ll call ya back if I get a hit.”

“Thanks Lieutenant. Captain McGraw is in with her daughter right now and we really need her info ASAP.” Trent disconnected the call and started to walk back into the office when his cell phone rang. “Greeves,” he answered without looking at the caller ID.

“Greeves, you ain’t gonna believe this crap, but I think we have your lady here in lock up. She was brought in just after midnight on drug soliciting charges. I’ll send her picture to your cell and you can show it to the kid to see if it’s her.”

“Well that would explain why Karla said she didn’t know where her mom was. Sure send it to me, but I have a feeling she’s gonna confirm this is her mama. Thanks Lieutenant.”

“No problem, Greeves. Hope this info helps. If you need anything else just give me a holler, I’ll be here.”

Trent hung up and his phone immediately signaled an incoming picture message. When he downloaded and looked at the picture he knew, without a doubt, that this was Karla’s mother, they looked just alike.

When he walked back into the office Captain McGraw was still questioning Karla. “Captain I hate to interrupt, but can I talk to Karla for a minute?”

“Yep, I’ve asked what I needed too.”

“Karla, I talked to my partner and he sent me a picture of a lady that I think is your mama. Would you mind looking at it for me?”

Karla’s eyes went wide as she nodded her head, unable to speak. Trent pulled the picture up on his phone and turned it around for Karla to see. She took the phone from him, looked at it for about fifteen seconds and nodded her head again, “Yes sir, that’s Diane..ummm… I mean my mom.”

“Captain, can I talk to you outside for a second?”

McGraw started to nod, but Karla interrupted him. “You can talk in front of me. I’ve dealt with it all before.” Karla dropped her head and continued quickly; fear lacing her words, “I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have interrupted you. Please don’t hit me.”

Mrs. Jones’ eyes widened in surprise as Captain McGraw looked at Karla and reassured her, “Honey, ain’t no one here gonna hit you. I can promise you that.”

“But..but..I was disrespectful. I have to be punished.” Karla stammered, afraid of what they may do to her.

“Karla, no one here is gonna hurt you in any way. Want to tell why you think you need to be punished?”

“It’s just what grow-ups do. Can I ask a question?” Karla asked, trying to change the subject. When Trent nodded she continued, “Why do you have a picture of my mom on your phone?”

Taking the hint, Trent dropped the subject. “Captain, Karla, Diane Hall was arrested a little after midnight on drug soliciting charges. She’s in county lock-up.” He looked at Karla and continued, “That’s why she didn’t come home.”

Karla’s mouth dropped open in shock as her world was flipped upside down.

Karla was still in shock fifteen minutes later when Captain McGraw called the Department of Children’s Services.

“Department of Children’s Services. This is Maggie, how may I direct your call?”

“This is Captain McGraw, Metro/Davidson County PD. I need to speak with a supervisor please.”

“Captain, if you’ll hold please I’ll connect you with Mr. Jennings. He’ll be able to help you.”

“Thanks Maggie. ‘Preciate it” While McGraw waited he watched Karla. She had finally calmed down and snapped out of it.

****

“Detective Greeves. Can I ask you something?” Karla asked quietly.

“Sure Karla, you can ask me anything.”

“What’s going to happen now? Where am I going to go?”

Trent scratched his head as he tried to figure out how much to tell Karla. “Well, Captain McGraw is on the phone with the Department of Children’s Services and they’ll send someone out to talk to you. From there you’ll be turned over to them and they’ll find you a safe place to sleep.”

“But..but..why can’t I stay at my apartment? If Garrett comes home and I’m not there…” Karla started, but trailed off without finishing.

“Karla, who’s Garrett?” Trent asked, figuring out that Garrett is the one Karla was truly scared of.

“My mom’s boyfriend.”

“What’s his last name?”

“I have no idea. She picked him up at a rest area on the way here.”

Trent wondered to himself why the mother of a young teenager would just pick up a strange man at a rest area. He’d never met anyone that irresponsible before.

“Can you tell me what he looks like?”

“Umm..yeah. He’s tall, about your height I guess. He has brown hair and really big hands. He has a tattoo on his chest, but I can’t remember what it is.”

“That’s okay Karla. What about your father? Can you tell me anything about him?”

“I only know that his first name is Alexander and he’s originally from Puerto Rico, but she met him in Dallas, which is where she’s from.”

“Alright Karla. I’ll see what I can find out about him from your mama. Anything else you can tell me about your family?”

“My mom’s parents lived in Dallas, but they’re dead now and she was an only child.”

“Okay Karla.” Trent said, before he walked over to where Captain McGraw stood.

“How’d it go Greeves?”

“She doesn’t know anything about her father and her grandparents are dead. Garrett, the boyfriend, is a piece of work and so is her mama. She picked him up at a rest area somewhere in Georgia and I’m pretty sure he’s the one who put all those bruises on Karla.”

“Do we have a last name on him?”

“No, sir. Karla could only give me a basic description, but she did say he has a tattoo on his chest. That may help if she can remember what it is.”

“We’ll see what we can figure out, but in the meantime DCS is on the way here. Think Mrs. Jones can keep Karla busy while we talk to them?”

“Sir, if anyone can keep a teenager busy and out of trouble it’s Mrs. Jones.” Trent replied with a smile, remembering how much trouble she’d kept him out of as a teenager. “I’ll go talk to her and let her know what’s goin’ on.”

“Thanks Greeves. I’d ‘preciate it if you’d ask her to keep Karla in the back for a while. I don’t wanna upset that little girl more than necessary.”

“No problem, Captain. Anything to help Karla. She seems so lost.”

After Captain McGraw walked outside to wait for DCS, Trent walked over to where Karla and Mrs. Jones talked quietly. He crouched down in front of Karla until he met her startling green eyes. “Karla, would you mind hangin’ out in Mrs. Jones’ office for a while? Captain McGraw and I are gonna talk to the representative from DCS and then we’ll be back there to talk to ya.” He waited for Karla to nod her agreement before he turned to Mrs. Jones. “Do you mind hangin’ out with Karla for a bit?”

“Of course I don’t mind spendin’ time with this sweet child. You and McGraw do whatcha need to do. We ain’t goin’ anywhere.” Mrs. Jones grabbed Karla’s hand gently and led her into the office as Trent walked outside to wait with Captain McGraw.

Bob Jennings pulled into the parking lot of Jones’ Market fifteen minutes later and immediately saw Captain McGraw, a longtime friend of his, and Detective Greeves, a decorated officer who’d been with Metro/Davidson Police force for more than ten years. After he stopped the car he stepped out into the oppressive July heat and walked over to where they were standing, just outside the front doors of the store.

              “John, Trent, how’s it goin’? Whatcha got for me?”

              “Hey Bob, we have a girl, 14 years old, inside the store. Greeves caught her shoplifting and noticed signs of serious abuse and neglect. Her name is Karla and her mama’s sittin’ in lock-up at the moment on drug solicitation charges. I’m gonna be adding child abuse and neglect just as soon as I make it back to HQ.”

              “Think she’ll talk to me?”

“Maybe if Trent or me are there. She’s very scared and doesn’t trust any of us very much.”

“Alright, let’s do this. I’m supposed to be at supper with my baby sister tonight while her husband’s working.”

“Alright Bob.” Trent responded as he turned and walked back into the store. McGraw and Jennings followed closely behind him.

When they entered the office Karla and Mrs. Jones were sitting on the small couch again talking softly. “Karla,” Trent began “this is Mr. Jennings, He’s from DCS and needs to ask you some questions.”

Karla’s eyes locked on Bob and she moved closer to Mrs. Jones, practically sitting in her lap. “Will you stay with me?” She softly asked Mrs. Jones.

“Of course I will dear. I’m sure Detective Greeves and Captain McGraw will too, if you want them too.” Mrs. Jones looked pointedly at Trent and John, who both nodded and smiled reassuringly at Karla.

After taking a deep breath Karla looked at Bob and nodded, letting him know that she’d answer his questions.

Before he started Bob pulled a small recorder from his pocket, turned it on and set it on the table between them. “Hello Karla. My name is Bob Jennings and I’m a supervising agent from the Department of Children’s Services here in Nashville. Do you know what DCS is Karla?” Bob waited for Karla to nod before he continued. “I’m sure Detective Greeves and Captain McGraw have already asked you this, but I need you to tell me your full name.”

“Karla Ann Hall.”

“Alright. What’s your date of birth?”

“July 14
th
, 2000.”

“So you’re 14 today. Happy birthday.”

“Thank you, sir.”

“When was the last time you saw your mama?”

“She left for work about nine last night.”

“Did she leave you alone?”

“I was supposed to be alone, but Garrett stayed.” Karla visibly shuddered at Garrett’s name.

“Wanna tell me who Garrett is?” Bob noticed the fear that ran through Karla at the mention of Garrett’s name.

Karla dropped her head, not meeting anyone’s eyes, and whispered, “Mom’s boyfriend”

Anger flashed in Bob’s eyes at the fear radiating through Karla. “Is there anything you can tell me about him?”

Before Karla could answer Trent interrupted. “Bob, I have all the info she has on him. I’ll give it to ya before ya leave.”

“Alright Trent. I’ll get that from you later. What about any other family?”

“I have that info too Bob. I’ll make copies of all my notes for ya.”

“That works. Thank you Trent.” Bob looked at Karla and continued in a soft voice. “Anything else you wanna tell me? Like maybe, where all those bruises on your neck, arms and legs came from?”

Karla shook from head to toe, softly whispered “Garrett” and buried her head in her hands. Trent, Mrs. Jones, John and Bob all looked at each other before Bob looked back at Karla.

“Karla, I’m going to take you to the hospital so they can check out your injuries, make sure you don’t have any serious ones and get some pictures of the bruises. Are you okay with that?”

Karla, too scared to speak, shook her head. She clearly didn’t trust him.

“Karla, would you feel better if Trent or John took you?”

Before Karla could answer, Mrs. Jones spoke up. “Gentlemen, I think what this child needs is someone who she ain’t scared of. If it’s alright with y’all I’ll ride with ya so she feels better. Would that help ya feel more comfortable honey?” She asked, looking at Karla.

“Yes ma’am.”

“It’s settled then. Just lemme call Harold to watch the store and I’ll ride with ya to the hospital.”