Chapter 385: A Missing Sophie

Chapter 385: A Missing Sophie
Adam's POV

I returned to the celebration site, my mind still reeling from the horrors I'd discovered in the village.

My eyes scanned the area, searching for her familiar silhouette among the few people still milling about. The knot in my stomach tightened when I couldn't spot her anywhere.

"Mr. Foster!" A voice called out, and I turned to see Jovan approaching. "We were wondering where you'd disappeared to."

"Where's Sophie?" I asked immediately, not bothering with pleasantries.

Jovan waved his hand dismissively. "Oh, she left a while ago. Luke and some of the others took her back to the accommodations."

Relief washed over me. "I see." I managed a tight smile and excused myself, heading back toward our lodgings.

I'll tell Sophie everything in the morning, I decided as I walked.

The main building where our crew was staying was quiet when I arrived, but I could see lights on in the common area. I pushed open the door to find Luke, Jasper, and Cassian sitting around a table playing cards. They looked up as I entered.

"There he is!" Jasper exclaimed, his face flushed with what I assumed was alcohol. "The man of mystery! Where'd you sneak off to, Foster?"

"Just needed some air," I replied, scanning the room. "Is Sophie in her room?"

"Yeah, she's resting," Luke answered, studying my face carefully. He knew me well enough to sense something was wrong. "Everything okay?"

Before I could respond, Cassian chimed in, his words slightly slurred. "Man, you should've been here earlier. Some crazy shit went down while you were gone."

My attention snapped to him. "What are you talking about?"

Cassian leaned forward conspiratorially. "That Nora chick—she totally lost it. Tried to burn Sophie with a hot poker from the fire."

The temperature in the room seemed to drop as I processed his words. My voice came out dangerously quiet. "She did what?"

"She tried to burn Sophie," Cassian repeated, oblivious to the shift in my demeanor. "Lucky for Sophie, she's quick. Jumped back just in time."

"Is she hurt?" The words felt like they were being ripped from my throat.

Something in my eyes must have finally registered with Cassian because he suddenly paled, shrinking back in his chair. "N-no, she's fine. Luke and Jasper stepped in. Nora locked herself in her room afterward."

I took a step toward him, my fists clenching involuntarily. "You're telling me someone tried to assault my wife, and you're sitting here playing cards like nothing happened?"

"Adam," Luke said sharply, standing up and moving between us. "Sophie is fine. I checked her myself. Not even a scratch. She was just tired and went to bed early."

I stared at Luke, searching his face for any sign of deception. Finding none, I felt some of the tension drain from my shoulders.

"She's safe," Luke assured me. "I made sure of it."

Jasper and Jason, who had been silent until now, grabbed Cassian by the arms and practically dragged him from the room, muttering something about getting some fresh air. They clearly recognized the danger of leaving him within my reach.

Once they were gone, Luke gestured for me to sit down. "What happened out there, Adam? You look like you've seen a ghost."

I dropped into the chair, running a hand through my hair. "Worse than ghosts," I said, my voice low and controlled despite the rage still simmering beneath the surface. "The village is exactly what we suspected, but it's worse than we imagined. The entire place is involved in human trafficking. They're keeping women prisoner, Luke. Abusing them. Killing them when they become too much trouble."

Luke's expression darkened. "Jesus Christ."

"I spoke to one of them—a woman who's been held captive for seven years. There are at least five others that she knows about. They're kept isolated, chained up in some cases."

"What are we going to do?" he asked, his medical training clearly triggering his instinct to help.

"I've already called Rex. He's coming. They should be here by morning." I leaned forward, keeping my voice low. "We can't tell Sophie yet. You know her—she'll want to do something immediately, and we can't risk tipping off the villagers before help arrives."

Luke nodded grimly. "Agreed. These men are clearly dangerous. If they've been getting away with this for years, they won't hesitate to silence anyone who threatens their operation."

"We just need to keep everyone safe until morning," I said, getting to my feet. "I'm going to try to get some sleep."

"Good idea," Luke replied, standing as well. "You look like you need it. I'll see you in the morning, Adam."

I nodded and headed to my room, my mind still racing with everything I'd discovered. The weight of what I'd seen in that village pressed down on me, making my shoulders feel heavy. Once in my room, I stripped down and collapsed onto the bed, expecting exhaustion to claim me immediately.

But sleep wouldn't come.

I stared at the ceiling, replaying the evening's events in my mind. The celebration. The investigation. The horrific discoveries. The conversation with Luke and the others.

Something nagged at me, a detail I'd overlooked. I frowned, trying to pin it down. What was I missing?

And then it hit me.

Sophie hadn't contacted me.

I sat bolt upright in bed, my heart suddenly pounding. Sophie knew I was investigating something potentially dangerous tonight. She knew I was taking a risk. And yet, since I'd returned, she hadn't called, texted, or come to find me.

Oh God. She's in trouble.

My face drained of color as the realization crashed over me. I reached for my phone with shaking hands, dialing her number. It went straight to voicemail. I tried again with the same result.

I called the landline in her room. It rang and rang with no answer.

Without bothering to fully dress, I pulled on my pants and shirt and rushed out of my room. Moving silently through the darkened hallway, I made my way to Sophie's door.