Without Consent by Kathryn Fox Read Free Book Online

the bribe. “How long before she arrives?”
    “She’s already here, in room two. It won’t take long. She doesn’t want the police involved, just wants emergency contraception, and get this, a book list of references so she can read about rape. A real ‘type A’ personality.”
    After gulping down the coffee, they entered the counselling room. Anya greeted “Just Elizabeth,” who paced the room.
    “Good, you’re here. I’ve got to be at work by eight-thirty, so could we please make this quick? I’ve got someone waiting in the car and a science excursion this morning with sixty kids.”
    “I’ll do what I can. I’m Doctor Anya Crichton. You asked to see me?”
    Mary excused herself and retreated.
    “All I want is a script for emergency contraception, whatever that is these days. I can’t afford to get pregnant. I’m not on anything at the moment.”
    “If you were assaulted overnight, you’re probably going to feel pretty sore and uncomfortable at the very least.”
    “I’m fine now. He must have seen me through the open window. I was watching a movie and fell asleep on the lounge. I woke up with him on top of me. When he’d finished, he left. That’s it.”
    The woman continued to pace with her hands in her trouser pockets, shoulders raised, the way a small animal tries to make itself bigger as a form of defense.
    “I’m healthy and I understand there isn’t any point in screening for infections just yet, so I’ll come back when it’s time. I don’t need anything but the contraception.”
    Experience told Anya there was no use pushing a victim who refused to be examined or counselled. She had to respect every decision, not just the ones she agreed with. Elizabeth’s behavior was almost as if she knew her attacker—keen to quickly get on with life and loath to discuss any details. Most of all, it was the way she almost took responsibility by emphasizing the “open” window.
    Anya sat at the desk and opened a drawer. She removed a pill packet and cut four tablets from the sheet. She added this to an envelope containing anti-nauseants. “Are you allergic to anything?”
    “Nothing.”
    “This contains written instructions. Take two tablets now along with one of these capsules. The hormones can make you nauseated, which the capsules counteract. In twelve hours, take the rest of the tablets at the same time. Here’s my mobile number. If you vomit within a few minutes of taking the tablets, please let me know and I’ll arrange more for you.”
    “Is that it? I’ve got to get to work.”
    “Elizabeth, you’ve been through a traumatic experience. I understand you want to get on with your life, but maybe you should take a day off to recover. I can give you a certificate for work. That way we could at least discuss your options.”
    “Thanks, but it’s not necessary. I’m fine.”
    “Can I at least call you later and see how you are on the pills?”
    The woman, who looked like she’d run a marathon, rummaged through her bag and retrieved a notepad. Anya noticed she wore a turtleneck jumper despite the warm weather and wondered what injuries were being disguised. Worried that there was more to the assault than Elizabeth admitted, she had to concede that every victim had his or her own coping mechanism. It was their right to choose treatment or refuse it. All she could do was offer to be there if things went even more wrong.
    “You’re not responsible for what happened.”
    “I left the window open.”
    Anya handed over the envelope. “That doesn’t make what he did any less of a crime. He forced his way into your home and assaulted you. You did not give him permission or the right to do that. If someone goes through an open door and steals the stereo, it’s no less of a theft than if he’d smashed that door to get in.”
    “This is where I’ll be staying.” Elizabeth scrawled the numbers on the notepad and tore off the lower half of the page, minus the letterhead. “You can get