Chapter 5

“Congratulations. You won.” Bette said in a sarcastic tone as she stormed into Tina’s office. “Hope you’re happy.” Tina was looking out the window of her office at no place in particular.  “You just sent a rape victim to jail. Like being raped wasn’t tragic enough.”

“She’ll be out by this afternoon.” Tina said still staring out the window.

“Why? How could you be so cruel?” Bette continued to attack her. “Are you so hell bent on having a good record that you would do just about anything to get it?”

“I’m sorry ok. I’m sorry.” She finally turned to face Bette. Her eyes filled with tears and pain. “I made a mistake.” She was very emotional.

Bette’s heart broke when she saw Tina’s face. “Are you ok?” She was calmer and less aggressive. Her compassionate side took over as she joined Tina by the window. When Bette was close enough Tina held on to her as if it were for dear life. Bette allowed the embrace as she watched a woman who she thought was so strong fall weak in her arms. She helped her to the sofa in her office. She gave her a tissue and waited for her to talk.

“You know,” She started as her crying subsided. “When I was offered this job I had a choice. It was either SVU or organised crime.” Bette remained silent waiting for her to continue. “I chose SVU. I thought I could handle it. I honestly thought that I can do for others what the system didn’t do for me.”

“What do you mean?”

Tina was fiddling with the tissue. She stared at it as she twirled it between her thumb and index finger. “I was raped. About two years ago.”

“Tina, I’m.”

“Its ok.” Tina interrupted. “I mean I’m doing better believe me.” She mocked.

“What happened?”

“I was home. Sally had just fallen asleep. I didn’t even hear him come in.” Bette placed her hand on Tina’s thigh. Tina took a deep breath before continuing. “I went back to the kitchen and he jumped me. He never said much but he was careful not the hit me. He covered my eyes with his handkerchief. I smelt his cologne the whole time. I wasn’t afraid of what he would do to me. I was more scared that if I made any sound Sally would get up.” She began to cry again. Bette lovingly rubbed her back in an effort to console her. She wiped her nose and sighed heavily, “Anyway when he was done he left a rose with a thank you card. I never saw his face.” She finally looked up at Bette. “He raped six women including me. One of them saw his face. She was his wife.” She said slightly agitated. “The DNA matched. It was a sure conviction even without the wife’s testimony.”