Page 89 of Shadows of Recovery

Eleanor sighed again, this time with a hint of sadness. "It depends on what they did. Tuesday nights are court and punishment nights. You should go watch."

Kay realized the depth of control the board wielded over the community. This wasn’t just about medicine; it was about survival within a rigid, oppressive system. "I will, Eleanor," she said, her voice resolute. "I need to understand how things work around here if I’m going to help anyone."

Eleanor nodded, a glimmer of hope in her eyes. "Be careful, Doc. And remember, there are those of us who want things to change, but it’s dangerous to push too hard."

Alone, Kay picked up her phone and made a call. "Nathan, I need to talk to you. Can you meet me in my office?"

Within minutes, Nathan walked in, his expression unreadable. "What’s going on, Kay?"

Kay took a deep breath, laying out her curiosity, not letting on that Eleanor told her anything. If Damon was caned as a member of the head family, Eleanor would be punished for a lesser infraction.

Nathan listened intently, his face growing darker with each question she asked. "Kay, the rules are none of your concern except to follow them.” He placed his arms across his chest.

"I have a hard time with that," Kay shook her head, “and the fact that I can’t call an ambulance without permission? That’s insane!"

Nathan’s brow arched. “You are new to Eldon Falls, so I will be lenient for your accusatory behavior, but raise your voice like that again, and you will be punished. The board doesn’t take kindly to having our authority questioned."

"I understand." Kay swallowed hard.

Nathan smiled slightly. "That’s a smart response. Tuesday night, you will be my guest. You will sit with the board.”

"Thank you," Kay said.

Nathan squeezed her shoulder reassuringly. "You’re behaving well, Kay.”

As Nathan left her office, she turned to her computer, determined to prepare the health history forms. Each interaction only deepened her resolve. Tuesday night couldn’t come soon enough. She needed to see the reality of the sect’s control.

* * *

Tuesday

Kay sat stiffly in the boardroom, surrounded by the imposing presence of the Whitlock family and the other members of the Eldon Sect's governing body. Trace Whitlock, the patriarch, sat across from her, his labored breathing accompanied by the constant hiss of his oxygen tank. She couldn’t help but notice the pallor of his skin and the wheezing sound each time he inhaled.

She leaned over to Nathan, who was seated next to her, and whispered, "Your father looks really unwell. His breathing sounds terrible, and his color is off."

Nathan nodded subtly. "I noticed. We’ll talk to him after the meeting."

Kay had no choice but to agree and turned her attention back to the proceedings. Nathan stood up and waved toward a door at the side of the room. The door opened, and six individuals walked in, each taking a seat in a designated box of chairs at the front of the room. The atmosphere was thick with tension as everyone waited for what was to come. It felt like a horrible reality show.

Nathan cleared his throat and addressed the room, "These individuals have been brought before the board for violating our community rules. Their actions have been reviewed, and the appropriate punishments will now be administered."

He called up the first person, a young man who looked barely out of his teens. "David Kline, you are accused of theft. You took food from the communal kitchen without permission. Your punishment is three days in the isolation cell and five lashes."

David’s face turned white, but he nodded, accepting his fate without a word. He returned to his seat, and Nathan called up the next person.

"Samantha Hughes, you were caught spreading dissent among the younger members of our community. Your punishment is two weeks of hard labor and a public apology."

Samantha’s eyes were defiant, but she also nodded and stepped back.

"Edward Miller, you disrespected a senior member of our sect. Your punishment is one week in the isolation cell and ten lashes."

Each person was called up, their rule violation announced, and their punishment delivered. The infractions ranged from minor to severe, and the punishments were equally varied, including hard labor, isolation, and physical punishment. There was no room for appeal, no chance to argue their case.

Kay chewed her inner cheek, struggling to maintain her composure. The stark reality of the sect’s rigid control and harsh justice system was laid bare before her. Each sentence was delivered with a finality that left no room for mercy or reconsideration.

Finally, Nathan finished with the last person and looked back at the board. "These punishments will be carried out immediately. Let this serve as a reminder to all that the rules are in place for a reason and must be followed."

The room was silent as the six individuals were led out, their fates sealed. Kay felt a cold knot of fear in her stomach.

---