Page 37 of Shadows of Recovery

Tristan, who knew the Whitlock family dynamics better than most due to his medical background, broke a professional boundary in his desperation. "Trace is seriously ill," he said, his voice cracking. "He was discharged from the hospital a few days ago. They’re likely on the verge of a power struggle within the family. Damon could be using this situation to position himself."

Ethan nodded, appreciating Tristan's insight. "Exactly. Damon has always been trouble. We found out he had numerous issues in school, even though they had their own schoolhouse, and there have been multiple allegations of sexual assault from women who left the Eldon Sect."

Tristan’s face paled, and his hands clenched into fists. The thought of Sophie in the hands of a man with such a history made his blood boil. "We have to get her out of there," his voice rose in desperation. "We can’t let this monster keep hurting her."

James placed a calming hand on Tristan's shoulder. "They will, Tristan. We need to stay focused. Losing it won’t help Sophie."

Brad stepped in, his voice calm but firm. "Tristan, we understand how you feel. We’re all doing everything we can to save Sophie and the other hostages. It appears she is directing his attention to herself to save some of the hostages. The critically ill have been released. A young doctor who was shot confirmed that.” Brad took a breath. “We need you to stay composed and think clearly. Your insight is valuable."

Ethan nodded in agreement. "We have a plan. Knowing Damon’s background helps us understand his behavior. We can use this information to negotiate and possibly exploit any weaknesses."

Tristan took a deep breath, trying to regain control. "You don’t fully understand. The night I met Sophie, she was out with friends. A man kept trying to pick her up. I saw him drug her drink. It was Damon Whitlock.” Tristan looked sick. “When his father was admitted, he showed interest in Sophie. That’s when we realized he was the man from the bar.” He shook his head. “She wanted it left alone. Now, knowing what he’s capable of..."

Brad swiped his eyes. "We’re going to get her out of there."

James, his voice steady, added, "Tristan, we have to be the support Sophie needs, trust in the team here, and do everything we can to aid in the rescue."

Tristan nodded, the resolve returning to his eyes. "You’re right. Let’s focus on the plan and get Sophie out of there safely."

The team huddled together, the tension rising. With the new information about Damon, they refined their strategies, looking for any possible advantage. The clock was ticking, and every moment was critical.

* * *

Sophie lay curledup on the cold floor of the emergency room, a thin white blanket her only protection against the harsh reality she had been forced to endure. Blood trickled from her wounds, stark against the sterile white fabric, her body trembling uncontrollably. Her mind struggled to comprehend the horrors she had been subjected to. Damon stood by the door, a brutal smile playing on his lips as he watched her, his amusement evident.

Sophie’s ER phone in his pocket rang, and he picked it up, his eyes never leaving her. "This is Damon."

“Hello, Brad Killian.” Damon's gaze flickered with twisted satisfaction. "The others are fine. Dr. Reynolds needed to be let go; he was of no more use to us after being shot. But the pretty lady doctor here, she’s been quite the fun plaything."

Sophie continued to shake, her sobs silent but wrenching. Every fiber of her being ached, and the humiliation and pain were nearly unbearable. Damon’s voice droned on in the background, a malevolent presence that seemed to seep into her very bones.

Damon opened the door slightly and called out to one of his followers, "I need a fresh pair of small scrubs for the lady doctor," he ordered, his tone casual, as if requesting something as mundane as a cup of coffee.

As the follower hurried to comply, Damon returned his attention to the phone. "You know, I’m not unreasonable. I’ll consider releasing more hostages if my demands are met. I understand about the car. Even a four-wheel drive will be difficult to use in this snow. We can be a little patient."

Damon’s eyes glinted with a perverse satisfaction. "So, in light of me being understanding about the car, I need you to back off. Let us finish what we started here. Any interference, and things will get much worse for everyone involved."

Damon laughed, a chilling sound that sent a shiver down Sophie’s spine. "Safe? Safety is a relative term, but for now, they’re alive. That should be enough for you."

The follower returned with a pair of small scrubs, handing them to Damon, who tossed them onto the floor near Sophie. "Here you go, pretty lady. Put these on. We can’t have you catching a cold, now can we?"

Sophie flinched at his words, her hands fumbling to grasp the scrubs. Her movements were slow and painful, every shift a reminder of the violence she had endured. She forced herself to focus, to block out the fear, and managed to pull on the scrubs with trembling hands.

Damon returned to the phone. "I’ll call you again soon. In the meantime, keep your distance. Any sign of a breach, and you’ll be responsible for what happens next."

Inside the room, Sophie managed to sit up, her body refusing to stop trembling. She pulled the scrubs around her, a small bit of dignity. Her eyes met Damon’s, and she saw nothing but cold, calculated malice.

She vowed to herself that she would survive this, no matter what it took. She had to. For herself, for Tristan, and for everyone else who was counting on her. The ordeal was far from over, but she would have to find the strength to keep going.

Fourteen

Inside the building, Sophie struggled to maintain consciousness as she was roughly shoved back into the main hallway. Damon stood nearby, his eyes cold and calculating. The previous hostage exchange had gone smoothly.

Damon’s voice was laced with a sinister calm. "You did well, but don’t think for a moment that you’re in control here."

Sophie swallowed hard, nodding. "I understand."

Damon pulled viciously on her ponytail, causing her to wince in pain. "Good. Remember that."

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