“Doctor, what have you found?” she asked, her voice steady but tinged with concern.

Dr. Mitchell took a deep breath, momentarily stepping away from the operating table. “These injuries… they’re not from a fall. The patterns, the stages of healing—they suggest ongoing trauma. I suspect she’s been a victim of domestic violence.”

The detective’s expression hardened, a mix of determination and empathy. “Thank you, Doctor. We’ll look into it.”