Page 103 of Shadows of Recovery

"Chris, have you heard anything from Tristan and Sophie?" James asked urgently.

Chris’s voice was calm but concerned. "Tristan told me he was taking the day off after he finished his rounds at the cabins. He was going via horseback and was planning to take Sophie on a picnic."

James's anxiety deepened. "I'm worried, Chris. They should have been back by now."

"I'll call the cabins and check," Chris replied, his voice tense.

A short while later, Chris called back. "Tristan and Sophie didn't make it to the eighth cabin. I'm calling the police.”

* * *

Brad Killian arrivedwith the Waverly County PD’s first patrol officer. It was already dark and growing cold. The highway patrol called in FD Search and Rescue to assist, led by Battalion Chief Turk Crenshaw.

Turk’s team quickly found evidence of an altercation involving more than one horse, judging by the hoof prints. "We've got signs of a struggle," Turk reported. "We’re following the prints toward the tribal land."

Brad tried calling Nathan Whitlock but received no response. He then confirmed with the hospital that Trace Whitlock’s family hadn’t visited since the day before, which was highly unusual.

Brad reached out to the tribal leadership in Eldon Falls. Eldon Falls was three hundred acres of beautiful South Dakota land. The Eldon Sect occupied a mile square in the northeast corner. They provided funds for the tribe to flourish.

The tribal chief was surprisingly cooperative. "We do not condone this behavior," the chief said firmly. "A woman fitting Sophie’s description is with the Whitlock brothers to help deliver a baby. That's all we know."

Just then, James came running in, breathless and panicked. "They found Tristan's horse with blood on the saddle and his reins loose, running in circles.

Brad's face hardened. "We need to move fast. Surround Eldon Falls with a full contingent of highway patrol and get assistance from the county and Waverly Junction police. We might need to raid if necessary."

* * *

Despite the Pitocin,Emma’s labor failed to progress. Sophie’s frustration boiled over. "Emma needs to go to the hospital. She’s sick, and the baby is in distress!"

Nathan, torn between his duty and his conscience, refused. "We can’t risk it, Sophie. Not now."

Emma, surrounded by the other wives, was suffering. Her cries of pain echoed through the room. Sophie, determined to save her, moved to talk to the brothers outside.

"Emma needs a C-section," she said urgently. "Without it, she and the baby could die. She needs a surgeon. Tristan is a surgeon."

Damon, who had been tied up by his brothers, begged, his voice filled with desperation, "Please, save my wife and baby."

Sophie got up in Damon’s face, her eyes blazing with anger. "Now you’re showing love and loyalty to your wife? Shut your mouth. I’ll help Emma, but you need to stay out of this."

Turning back to the other brothers, she insisted, "I need a surgeon. I need Tristan’s help."

Nathan gave in. "Bring Tristan from the cell," he ordered.

* * *

Tristan was broughtfrom the cell, weak and dehydrated after hours without proper care and repeated caning. Sophie felt her knees begin to give out. His back was flayed open, his jaw locked to fight the pain. She begged him to let her help him, to take care of him, but he refused, his resolve overriding his situation.

"Why did they bring me here?" Tristan asked, his voice rough.

Sophie explained, "I have three patients: Emma, Damon's wife; Emma’s unborn baby; and Damon shot Kay. They moved her to another room and won’t let me see her. She's being watched by the sect’s LPN, Eleanor."

Tristan bit back the pain and forced himself to remain on his feet. As they approached Emma’s side, Sophie briefed him. "Emma has been in labor for over twenty-four hours. She has a fever. I'm running antibiotics, and Kay warned me she was positive for syphilis."

Nathan growled at Damon, “You son of a bitch.” Eli and Caleb held him back from hurting his youngest brother.

Tristan slid on a pair of gloves and crouched beside Emma, who was bleary-eyed with exhaustion. "Emma, I'm sorry you're hurting. I need to check you."

Emma's eyes widened with disbelief as she stared at Tristan. "I can't believe, after everything, you're still being kind to me... even with what my husband did."

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