Page 41 of Shadows of Recovery

Sophie triedto think of a way to help. She couldn’t stand by and watch innocent people suffer. Taking a deep breath, she approached Damon cautiously.

"Damon, please," she said softly. "You don’t have to do this. We can find another way."

Damon turned to her, his eyes darkening. "And why should I listen to you, Doctor?"

"Because I know you care about your people." Sophie tried to keep her voice steady. "Hurting others won’t get you what you want. Let’s talk. We can figure this out."

For a moment, Damon seemed to consider her words. Then he shook his head, his expression hardening. "Nice try, Doctor, but I’m not that easily swayed."

Frustration and fear surged through her. She had tried, but Damon was beyond reason. As he turned his attention back to his men, she knew the hospital was running out of time.

Sophie tried to think of anything other than her current situation. She thought about Tristan. She imagined what it would be like to be safely in his arms again. They had professed their love for each other. Was it too late?

Her thoughts were interrupted by the sound of her hospital phone ringing. Damon grabbed it, his expression shifting to one of mock politeness. "Hello, this is Damon Whitlock. Tristan or Brad?"

Ethan’s calm voice came through the receiver. "Damon, this is Ethan Hayes from the FBI. I’d like to talk with you about your demands for supplies and see if we can resolve this."

Damon's eyes gleamed with amusement. "Ah, the FBI. I was wondering when you'd call back. That police chief is a moron. Dr. Blackwell is an interesting foil. Mr. Killian can only offer so much. Well, Mr. Hayes, I’m all ears. What do you have to offer?"

“Your car is out front. We had a delay because the snow started again,” Ethan said.

Sophie could hear the conversation and realized by Damon’s reaction that he’d forgotten about the demand, that he was playing a game. He had a way out of this. And it was going to be done his way. A wave of nausea washed over her, her head pounding harder by the minute.

Damon was toying with them, and she was caught in the middle of his twisted game.

He returned his attention to the phone. "There, Ethan. One hostage. Now, about those supplies…"

Ethan’s voice remained steady. "Thank you, Damon. We’re arranging everything now. Just keep the lines of communication open. We can resolve this peacefully."

* * *

Bradand his team listened intently, every word exchanged between Damon and Ethan carrying an immense burden. Ethan scrawled on a piece of paper and held up a sign—Game player.

Tristan watched Ethan and Brad work, his respect for the negotiators growing. Ethan held the hostages’ freedom in his capable hands, but the uncertainty of the situation ate at him. Lives were hanging in the balance. Sophie’s life.

As the hours dragged on, the tension mounted. The waiting game was excruciating, but it was their best chance to save the hostages and bring an end to the reign of terror.

Sixteen

The atmosphere inside the hospital was oppressive, every corner of the building under the Eldon Sect’s control. Sophie sat on the couch in the doctor’s lounge in her underwear, her arms wrapped around herself. She knew that time was critical, especially for those in the ER. They needed medical attention, and she was determined to provide it, no matter the cost.

Damon’s attention was absorbed by the ongoing negotiations on the phone. She seized the opportunity, taking a deep breath to steady her nerves. "Damon," she said softly.

He turned to her, his eyes narrowing. "What is it, pretty doctor?"

Sophie swallowed hard, forcing herself to meet his gaze. "I need to check on my patients in the ER. Some of them are very sick. If they don't get the care they need, they could die."

Damon remained unreadable. "And why should I care about that?"

Sophie knew she had to appeal to his ego and his desire for control. "Because if you let me take care of them, it will show everyone that you have some humanity. It will buy you goodwill with the negotiators outside. They might be more willing to meet your demands."

He seemed to consider this, his fingers absently playing with her hair. "Goodwill, huh? And what do I get out of it? What's in it for me if I let you play doctor?"

Sophie leaned in slightly, her voice dropping to a near whisper. "You get to prove you're in control. That you're calling the shots. Plus, if any of your men get injured, you'll need me to treat them. Keeping me on your good side might just save your life too."

Damon's eyes glinted with interest. He obviously enjoyed the power play, the sense of having someone entirely at his mercy, she speculated. "Alright, Doctor. I'll let you check on your patients. But don’t get any ideas about trying to escape. I'll be watching you closely."

Sophie nodded, relief flooding through her. "Thank you, Damon. I just want to help them. That's all."

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