Page 72 of Shadows of Recovery

Tristan's heart pounded in his chest. "Brad, please, just tell me."

Brad blew out a breath. "We are testing blood and DNA samples from multiple locations. One spot is on the floor by the pharmacy, another in the doctor's lounge, and more in the ER's isolation rooms. In those rooms, there was chlorohexidine, blood, and body fluids everywhere." He paused, sounding like he was struggling to keep his composure. "I've never worked a case where I know the victim."

Tristan’s throat tightened. "What did you find in the exam room?"

Brad's voice wavered. "There was evidence that rolled gauze was used as restraints. And, God help me, the examination instruments were used for... other things. That's why the forensics are taking so long. They're trying to piece together exactly what happened."

Tristan's world seemed to spin. He gripped the edge of his desk, his knuckles turning white. "What are you saying, Brad? What happened to Sophie in that room?"

Brad's voice cracked with emotion. "It looks like Sophie was restrained and tortured. The blood and body fluids, the way the instruments were used... it’s horrific. I can’t even begin to imagine the pain she went through."

Tears welled up in Tristan's eyes, a mix of rage and helplessness coursing through him. "Why didn't anyone see this? How could this happen in our hospital?"

"I don't know," Brad replied, his own voice breaking. "I'm so sorry, Tristan. We're doing everything we can to find out who did this and why. But it's taking time."

Tristan slammed his fist on the desk, his voice choked with emotion. "Time? Sophie doesn’t have time! She's already suffered so much. She needs justice. She needs to know she's safe. And you know damn well Damon Whitlock assaulted her.”

"I know," Brad said softly. "We're working as fast as we can. I promise you, we will prove who did this. But you need to be strong for Sophie now. She needs you more than ever."

Tristan took a deep breath, trying to steady himself. "You're right. She does need me. But I also need answers. I need to know Damon Whitlock will pay."

"He will," Brad assured him. "We'll make sure of it. And, in the meantime, we'll keep Sophie safe. We'll do everything we can to help her heal."

Tristan closed his eyes. "Thank you, Brad. I appreciate everything you're doing."

"Ethan Hayes is working on it from his end. We’re also trying to keep those who know what happened to a small group," Brad said. "I'll keep you updated as soon as we have more information. Stay strong."

Tristan nodded, even though Brad couldn't see him. "I will. Take care, Brad."

"You too, Tristan. Talk soon."

As Tristan ended the call, he felt a mix of despair and determination. He would do whatever it took to help Sophie recover and find justice for what she had endured.

* * *

After the unsettlingvisit with Dr. Birdham, Sophie began to pace the confines of her room. Dr. Birdham left her leather portfolio. It was engraved,Kay, Thank you for everything. Love, Tristan.

Kay.Tristan’s Kay. Her throat felt like it was closing. She gagged and had to swallow down her medication again.

Sophie popped the portfolio open and made her way through the contents. Her mind started to drift further from who she was and where she was. She explored a set of patient files.

She was back in her residency. Kay could take a lesson in charting. She wondered if Dr. Blackwell knew how incompetent she was.

She continued her search, finding a small nylon bag. Inside was a mini office: colored pens, a stapler, a small ruler, a hole puncher, some paperclips, some binder rings and a pair of scissors.

Sophie took out the pens and, taking her time, went through each of the charts, making corrections. She didn’t want Dr. Blackwell to be upset. One chart dealt with a young man who abused opiates after a car accident. Another drank to avoid dealing with childhood trauma. She read them and made medical treatment plans.

But the next chart was hers. She read the history and physical. Her ordeal was laid out in clinical detail, each line a testament to the brutality of the assault she had endured.

Treatment Planfor Sophie Everhart

Physical Treatment:

Medical Evaluation and Treatment: Sophie will undergo a comprehensive medical reevaluation to address her physical injuries resulting from the sexual assault and beating injuries. This will include reassessment and treatment of post splenectomy; lacerations to the forearms, thighs, buttocks; and any bruising, swelling, and tears in the genital and anal regions. Fracture management to face, forearm, ribs and ankle. Reevaluation of subdural hematoma. Potential need to repeat an in-depth cardiac examination. Wound care. Pain management strategies, including analgesic medication as needed, will be implemented to alleviate discomfort. Judicious use of benzodiazepines.

Alert Dr. Deanna Roberts to perform repeat GYN examination, repeat cultures for STIs and add any necessary treatment.

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