Chapter 6 - The Emergency Room
Within an hour, my father's driver had brought us to a private medical suite at Northwestern Memorial Hospital.
The doctor carefully examined the deep contusions on my shoulder and wrist, applying soothing ointments and wrapping my arm in a soft medical sleeve. Meanwhile, a pediatric counselor sat with Lily in the adjoining room, giving her warm milk and letting her draw with colorful crayons.
My father sat in the corner armchair, watching me quietly as the doctor finished up.
"The police report has been filed, Emily," my father said as the doctor stepped out of the room. "The domestic violence charges have been added to the federal indictment. He won't be getting bail."
I leaned my head back against the white hospital pillow, tears finally spilling over my eyelashes and running down my cheeks. "How did you know, Dad? How did you know about the money... and what he was doing to me?"
My father stood up and walked over to my bedside, gently taking my uninjured hand into his.
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"I didn't know about the physical abuse, Emily," he said, his voice cracking with a rare, overwhelming guilt. "If I had known he ever put a finger on you, he wouldn't have walked out of that house on his own two feet tonight."
He squeezed my hand softly. "Three weeks ago, our corporate banking security flagged an unusual access request originating from your home IP address. I hired a private forensic team to dig into it quietly. I was going to present the evidence to you this weekend... but then Lily called."
