Shadows In Durango

Chapter 116

*****Vincent's POV*****

The cold, damp walls of the cell seemed to swallow in around me, making it hard to think straight.

The adrenaline that had fueled me through the chaos was gone now, leaving behind an aching body and a racing mind that wouldn't quite quit. Daryl's bloodied body kept flashing in front of my eyes, his labored breaths and fading consciousness haunting me with every second that passed.

I sat on the edge of the narrow bed, hands still trembling despite the weight of the handcuffs having long been removed.

My head pounded, not from the lucky punch Ashton had managed to land, but from the anxiety gnawing away at me.

Was Daryl even still alive?

The paramedics had worked frantically over him, but I didn't get a chance to know if they'd gotten him to the hospital in time or not...

I had tried asking the officers when they threw me in here, but no one would tell me anything. One of them had muttered something about "waiting for statements," but none of that mattered until I knew if Daryl was going to pull through. My best friend, regardless if we fought all the time, we were like brothers.

The guy who would've taken a bullet for me - who basically did take a bullet for Sofia, being the first one to charge in there to try and help without waiting for backup, probably not even knowing that he had a fucking gun waiting for him! I ran my hand down my face, feeling the sting where Ashton's punch had connected. A small price to pay considering the damage I'd left him with.

He deserved every single hit given and if I could have had things my way, I would have locked him up to torture him for the foreseeable myself for what he had done.

I should've acted faster. I should've been there sooner. I should have told Daryl to wait for us at least...

But it was too late now...

The heavy clang of a door opening broke through my thoughts.

I looked up and waited, hearing the keys jingle momentarily before I see the same officer who had processed me step inside.

His face was unreadable, a clipboard in hand as he glanced down at me. "Vincent Walker?" He recites.

"Yeah," I muttered, rising to my feet, tension tightening in my shoulders. "Any news on my friend? The guy they took to the hospital? Is he good?" I basically beg for information.

He hesitated, eyes flicking up from his notes. That brief hesitation made my heart plummet into my stomach.

"Is he " I started, but the officer raised a hand.

"He's still in surgery, nobody knows his condition yet," he said, and my knees almost buckled from the relief that hit me. Still in surgery meant he was still fighting. "They're doing everything they can. That's all we know for now." I nodded, swallowing hard, feeling the weight of it all crushing down into me again. "Thanks," I said, though the words felt empty.

before continuing on with whatever reason he had showed up to

us the footage you have of the young man taking your girlfriend after she passed out on the street. Your girlfriend confirmed this story too. We found evidence that he was also holding her captive in the basement - also matching up to her statement - and so for that, you are free to go, at least for now. It looks to us that you all acted in

can go

you on what happened, would you prefer to do that now or to come back tomorrow?" He tests, as I think on it

to visit my friend at the hospital." I confirm with a stiff nod, as the officer sighs and nods once before beginning to lead

the police station gradually gave way to the dim lighting of the reception. The steady hum of murmured voices and

was fixated on one

moment we stepped through the door into the lobby, I spotted my parents waiting for me. My mother rushed towards me, her heels clicking sharply against the tiled floor as I

and faux concern, her arms outstretched as she closed the

as she threw her arms around me in

could feel the stiffness in her touch too practiced, too perfect. It wasn't real. Not for me. Not for anyone but the

off, stepping back. "Not right now," I muttered, irritation

was all

the room, no doubt making sure the officers nearby were watching her display of motherly concern. The same officers

was so worried when they called

her off, stepping past her and

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mother. He had always been

good, son," he said, his voice low and

father in the world proud to be

with a warm smile,

a slight nod, a glimmer of familiarity passing between them. I hadn't missed the way my father used his first name -

father knew everyone

Just doing my job for my citizens." He winks swiftly, as my father chuckles and

made my skin crawl. It was a reminder

knew how to manipulate the system, how to pull the strings that needed pulling. But none of that mattered to me

see Daryl," I said, my voice coming

but

out to the car, his arm casually resting on my shoulder like we were having a normal father-son

nothing about

Not for me.

and could very much die in the

to the hospital was silent as

to ask questions - what had happened, how Sofia was doing as if she cared, but I only gave her short, clipped answers. She was a big part of why Sofia even