Page 39 of Shadows of Recovery

Brad added, "I understand, but rushing in could lead to a bloodbath. We need to be smart about this. Our priority is the safety of the hostages. We need to continue to communicate with Damon directly. Appeal to his ego, his desire to prove himself. If we can keep him talking, we might find a way to defuse the situation."

Ethan nodded thoughtfully. "That's a good point. Damon wants recognition. If we make him feel like he’s in control, we might be able to buy some time and create an opening."

Tristan grumbled, “Don’t you people realize the son of a bitchisin control?”

The team began to brainstorm, throwing out ideas and strategies. Every second counted, and they needed to be prepared for anything.

As law enforcement and medical personnel coordinated their efforts, Tristan felt helpless. His hands were shaking, and his eyes were wild with desperation. "James, I can't do this," he said, his voice breaking. "All I want is for Sophie to be safe. I can't focus on anything else."

James placed his hands on his brother's shoulders, looking him in the eyes. "Tristan, listen to me. I know you're scared. I am too. But you have a responsibility here. As the head of the ER and a member of South Dakota's Emergency Management Division, you need to stay focused on the patients. All the patients. You can't help Sophie right now, but you can help the people who are being released."

Tristan took a deep breath, trying to steady himself. "I know you're right, but it's so hard."

James nodded, his grip firm. "I understand. But if you fall apart, you're not helping anyone. Sophie needs you to be strong. The patients need you to be strong. You can do this, Tristan."

Tristan swallowed hard, forcing himself to calm down. "Okay. You're right. I'll focus on the patients."

As they rejoined the others, Ethan approached them, his expression serious. "We’ve just negotiated the release of another patient. Tristan, we need you to be ready."

Tristan nodded, his resolve hardening. "I’m ready."

Moments later, the FBI hostage rescue team escorted an elderly woman out of the hospital. Tristan immediately assessed her condition, noting signs of severe dehydration and stress, as well as the GI symptoms she went to the emergency room with. He worked quickly, stabilizing her and ensuring she received the necessary care.

As he worked, Tristan's mind remained on overload. He couldn't shake the image of Sophie, bruised and terrified, from his thoughts. But James's words echoed in his mind, reminding him of his duty and the importance of staying focused.

Throughout the evening and into the night, more patients were released, each one bringing a mix of relief and frustration. Tristan’s training kicked in, and he focused on providing the best care possible under the circumstances. Every time he stabilized a patient and arranged for their transport to Waverly Junction Community Hospital, where the most critical could be airlifted to Pierre or Sioux Falls, he felt a small measure of accomplishment, but his heart remained heavy with worry for Sophie.

As the sun began to rise, casting long shadows over the command center, Brad approached Tristan and James. "We’re making progress, but it’s slow."

Tristan nodded, though patience was the last thing he felt. "I understand. But we need to get Sophie out of there."

"We will," Brad assured him. "We just need to take it one step at a time."

Tristan looked at his brother, who gave him a reassuring nod.

Fifteen

Sophie sat on the corner of the couch in the doctor’s lounge, shivering uncontrollably. Cold seeped into her bones, shock and exhaustion taking possession of her. Damon Whitlock was overpowering, his cruelty a constant threat that loomed over her.

He stayed glued to the news coverage and looked out the window, watching the flurry of activity outside. His eyes were cold, his expression one of malevolent satisfaction. "Look at them, scrambling like ants," he muttered, a twisted grin playing on his lips. "They have no idea what's coming."

Sophie, nursing her bruised face, watched him warily. Damon was unpredictable and dangerous, and his words sent a chill down her spine. She could no longer appear calm; inside, she was trembling with fear as much as she was on the outside.

* * *

Damon turnedto three of his men, his voice low and menacing. "Prepare the next phase. We’ve kept them guessing long enough."

His second-in-command, a burly man named Vance, nodded and began barking orders. The Eldon Sect moved with calculated accuracy, setting up makeshift barricades to prevent movement and securing their positions. Damon’s plan was unfolding, and it was far more sinister than anyone outside could imagine.

* * *

In the command center,Tristan and James were briefed on the latest developments. Brad and Ethan were coordinating their efforts, trying to anticipate Damon’s next move. The tension was palpable, and every second felt like an eternity.

Tristan’s phone buzzed with a new message from Sophie. He quickly opened it, his heart pounding.

Tristan, Damon is planning something big. Be careful.

He showed the message to Ethan, who frowned. "She didn’t send this without his order. We need to be ready for anything. Damon is a master of psychological warfare. He’s going to try and break us."

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