Dr. Mitchell gently brushed aside the tangled strands of her hair to get a better look at her scalp. What he found was alarming: multiple contusions at different stages of healing. These were not the marks of a single, accidental fall. His heart sank as he considered the implications. In his years as a surgeon, he had come to recognize the signs of repeated abuse, and this young woman’s injuries told a story far more sinister than a domestic accident.

The police arrived swiftly, their presence adding a new layer of tension to the already charged atmosphere. A detective, a woman with sharp eyes and a no-nonsense demeanor, entered the room. Dr. Mitchell met her gaze and nodded, a silent confirmation that the situation warranted their involvement.