Page 30 of Shadows of Recovery

"Understood. I’m calling up my rapid response team now," Brad said firmly. "I’ll also alert the FBI resident agency in Pierre as soon as we’re off the phone. I’m heading your way—ETA about two hours."

Brad ended the call and immediately dialed Ethan Hayes, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI resident agency in Pierre.

Ethan picked up on the second ring. "Hayes here."

"Ethan, it's Brad. We’ve got a hostage situation at Waverly County Hospital. The Eldon Sect has taken over. Shots fired. Hostages are being held. I’m heading there now, but I need you to mobilize and get there ASAP."

Ethan swore softly. "I’m working from home in Spring Hill today. I’ll head there right away. My ETA is ten minutes. Have you initiated contact with the hostage-takers?" Brad could hear Ethan shuffling in the background.

"Not yet. WCPD is working on it," Brad replied. "One more thing—Molly's sister, Sophie, the ER doctor, is she working today? Can you confirm?" Brad was close friends with Olivia Everhart, and Ethan was engaged to Molly Everhart. They were Sophie’s sisters. Both men now worried more.

There was a pause before Ethan responded, his voice tight, "I just asked Molly. Yes, Sophie is on duty. Damn it, Brad, she’s in there."

A wave of nausea passed over him. He knew Sophie Everhart, not just professionally but personally. "I’ll do everything I can, Ethan," he promised.

"I know you will. I’ll see you there," Ethan said, hanging up.

Brad quickly dialed another number, his thoughts turning to Isobel Everhart, Sophie’s sister, a forensic psychologist he had worked with on numerous occasions.

Isobel picked up, her voice calm but curious. "Brad, what do you have for me?”

"Belle, it’s not a case. It’s about Sophie. I confirmed she’s at the hospital today. The Eldon Sect has taken over, and there are hostages," he said, trying to keep his voice steady.

There was a sharp intake of breath on the other end. "Is she okay? I’ve worked with women who have fled them. God, Brad, they’re dangerous."

"We don’t have all the details yet, but I’m on my way there now. I wanted you to know from me," Brad said. "I’ll do everything possible to get her and everyone else out safely."

Isobel's voice trembled slightly. "Have you called my mom? She needs to know. And Alex—he’s an investigator with the Justice Department. They’re both in Waverly Junction today—it’s their first Valentine’s Day."

Brad nodded, though she couldn’t see him. "They’re my next calls. Stay strong, Belle.”

“I trust you, Brad," she said softly, and the line went dead.

Taking a deep breath, Brad dialed Charlotte Everhart, the retired deputy police chief of Waverly County. As the phone rang, he braced himself for the next conversation. Charlotte answered quickly, her voice happy and light.

"Charlotte, it’s Brad Killian. I hate making this call. There’s a hostage situation at the hospital. The Eldon Sect has taken over, and,” he inhaled again, “Sophie is among the hostages," he said, laying it out plainly.

Charlotte didn’t waste a moment. "I’m heading there now. Alex Marcel is with me.”

“I’m coming from Pierre. I spoke with Ethan. At the scene, tread lightly. Gerald Dawson is in charge. You’re part of this as a courtesy.”

“I won’t get in the way. Gerald Dawson is a good man, but taking over a hospital… It’s not a run-of-the-mill situation.”

Brad managed to chuckle. "Thanks, Charlotte. I’m on my way. We’ll need all hands on deck for this one," he admitted.

He had to make one more call. He was sure Detective Olivia Everhart from the Waverly County Police Department had already been called in, but Liv was a dear friend, and she had to be beyond upset about her sister Sophie. He needed to touch base with her, to let her know he was working the situation and that she wasn’t alone in her worry.

Olivia picked up quickly, her voice tense. "Brad, I assume you’ve heard?"

"Yeah, I heard. I’m heading to the hospital now," he said, trying to convey calm and confidence through the phone. "I wanted to let you know that, as soon as our people get there, it’s our scene, and I’m on top of this via phone. We’re mobilizing every resource we have."

"Thank you, Brad," Olivia said, her voice wavering slightly. "I’m already at the scene. It’s a mess, and... knowing Sophie is in there..."

"I know. We’ll get her out. We’ll get all of them out," Brad assured her. "Stay strong. We need you sharp and focused."

"I’m trying. I really am," she said, taking a deep breath. "Just... keep me in the loop, okay?"

"Of course. I’ll see you soon," Brad replied. "Hang in there."

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