The Tyrant's Trophy
Unsettling Intensity

(A/N: I am so excited about this chapter!!! Chapter 31 - WOO! Praise Jesus! I didn't think I would make it tbh; this story's been a long work in the making and I am just happy that the pace is picking up and we are getting deeper into this web. Thank you so much to God first, Belicia - my best friend second - and also you all whose been reading this. I hope, as always, you enjoy this chapter. Let me know your thoughts about this, too, please. God bless and enjoy!)

Abijah

I couldn’t sleep in that night, too afraid of Maybell prowling through my room. I touched my throat; the muscles slightly strained from her previous grip. Needless to say, my eyes burned from the lack of rest and my head felt as if someone stuffed it with cotton balls.

Quinn wasn’t faring any better. We sat in a cafe near the south loop; a good distance away from her clinic for our conversation. Chad stayed behind with Maybell, who refused to come out of her room and refused anyone but her ‘guard’ entre. Chad wouldn’t want to join us, anyhow, with his mind far too gone for Maybell.

“This is bad…” Quinn groaned, rubbing her head in hopes of vanquishing her migraine. “At this point, she’s turning into exactly the villain Phil made her out to be.” That was an understatement.

Quinn’s theory was correct concerning Phil’s drugs; they were shifting Maybell, making her animalistic. Her rage on the other hand was long in the making but isn’t helping her case in the least. We watched the videos from the security camera. Seen how she scaled the walls and stealthily made her way to the psych room.

Any attorney in their right mind can overturn our case with just that video - evidence or not of the dr.’s wrongdoings.

The one thing Chad, Quinn, and I agreed on was deleting the footage. Chad would have deleted it even if we opposed it, though it works in our favor. We need Phil’s colors to be revealed.

The one silver lining in this situation is that the man’s squawking now. Quinn had to realign the bones in his arm, which were broken in three places now and cast it. While doing so, the man begged to keep Maybell away from him and he’ll tell us anything.

What we know now is that his name is Logan and he, indeed, partnered with Phil Sweetheart. He’s worked with the man for a whopping nine years - nabbing children. The reason he’s never been caught was that his targets were children who ran from home or were orphaned in other countries like Latin America. These recent years, however, Phil’s turned his eyes to children from his own clinic.

He’s been getting bolder. I made sure to record everything on my phone and write it down on paper. sᴇaʀᴄh thᴇ FɪndNøvel.ɴet website on Gøøglᴇ to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

“Do you think she’ll be able to handle court at this point?” I queried. “I don’t think we can put this off any longer…” We know too much and it’s grim. Phil’s ties are seeming more like the thick roots of a tree. We know he holds arms with leaders in the black market and that’s never good news.

He’s a valuable asset for his employers: With one word, he can have our heads marked.

Quinn moaned again, staring stoically at the dark liquid in her cup. “I’m afraid not.” I could feel my hope dwindle. “It’s like I told you and Adam; Maybell’s overall being is changing and becoming unpredictable. She’s not going to be able to handle standing in a court that failed her multiple times. Look how she reacted to us!” We both shivered, remembering. “Even if this ends well, it’s still just a battle. Now we know Phil’s involvement with,” She stalled, then continued, “A war is brewing.”

Looking up, Quinn’s face hardened. I followed her gaze and my eyes widened. The very man we were discussing walked through the door, along with kelly! They spotted us as they ordered their drinks.

Phile was the first to approach. “Ms. Sawyer! It’s been a while, hasn’t it.”

Being as diplomatic as possible, Quinn stood up and shook Phil’s hand. From the outside, there was no hostility on either end of the Doctors - Quinn hid her hatred well. Sitting back down, she inquired, “It has been long. How’s everything.”

“Oh, so and so.” He waved, turning to me. “Ms. Iogair - what a surprise meeting you again.” He looked between the two of us. “You ladies having a meeting?”

“Yes,” Quinn replied pleasantly. I had to stop from gapping at her, afraid she was going to confront the man right here in the cafe. “Ms. Iogair came to me, seeking a primary doctor to see whether or not she can get pregnant.”

She lightly kicked me under the table. “Yes,” I calmly replied, grinning. “Basil and I are looking to have kids once we marry. I wanted to know how high my chances are with conceiving, considering my health’s history.”

“Oh, well that’s great.” Phil lied through his teeth. “But you could have come to me. I would have been happy to help in any way.”

“Sorry,” I scratched the back of my neck, sheepishly. Man, the man creeped me out. “I felt more comfortable seeking a female doctor in this. It’s nothing personal.”

“No need to be sorry!” Phil patted my shoulder. “A baby is one of the most exciting things to bring into the world and seeing who will be helping you in that journey relieves me. Sawyer is the best: she used to work for me, you know? It was a shame she left.” He grinned down at her with a glint in his eyes. “Such a shame it was losing an employee like you, Sawyer. You’re brilliant and it would have been great to have you back in my clinic.”

“Thank you.” There was a sharpness in the air after that. An unsettling intensity with the words Phil left us with. Hearing his order of drinks, Phil wished us a good day and parted. Thankfully, Kelly stayed at the coffee counter - a sideline character in this game.

She didn’t wave at me and I didn’t chance to wave at her. Not when she was so near the man. I don’t want Phil to know Kelly and I were associated in any way. That fear for my friend’s safety grew twice-fold.

On our way back to the clinic, my phone dinged. It was kelly. She asked what happened. ‘Are you alone?’ I texted back.

‘Yes. I’m home now. Are you ok? :( ’

‘I’m coming over. I have some things to show you.’

I wasted no time. As soon as we got inside, I dashed to the room and gathered everything I’d acquired regarding this case and shoved them in the biggest bag I had. In my frantic, I didn’t notice Chad or Maybell standing by the door, watching me.

I needed to show Kelly everything, tonight. Hopefully, she’ll listen to me and get away from the doctor.

Leaving back out, I said hi and bye to the couple, and made my way to my best friend’s place.

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