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.

on with whatever reason

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

which means I can go to the hospital to

what happened, would you prefer to

visit my friend at the hospital." I confirm with a stiff nod, as

area, the cold walls of the police station gradually gave way to the dim lighting of the

fixated on one

My mother rushed towards me, her heels clicking sharply against the

painted with makeup and faux concern, her arms outstretched as she closed

her voice thick with emotion as she threw her arms around me

touch too practiced, too perfect. It wasn't real. Not for me. Not for anyone but the audience of officers

a second before I shrugged her off, stepping back. "Not

this was

no doubt making sure the officers nearby were watching her display of motherly concern. The same officers that had no doubt bedded her in the past to settle a deal or two with my father - I wasn't born

so worried

sure," I cut her off, stepping past her and

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outbursts, not like my mother. He had always been the controlled one, the politician. He walked up to me, placed a firm hand on my

he said, his voice low and

world proud to be collecting his son from the

officer who had escorted me out, he added with a

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

knew each other. My father knew everyone worth

cleared his throat. "Of course, Mr. Walker. Just doing my job for my citizens." He winks swiftly, as my

made my skin crawl. It was a reminder of how different my

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

to see Daryl," I said, my voice coming out harsher than

raised a brow but nodded. "Of course.

way out to the car, his arm casually resting on

about this

Not for me.

could very

to the hospital was silent as

she cared, but I only gave her short, clipped answers. She was a big part of why Sofia even left my place that night to begin with -