Hours later, as the surgery concluded, Dr. Mitchell stepped back, stripping off his gloves and gown. The operation had been a success, but the road to recovery—for the body and the spirit—would be long.

As he left the operating room, he crossed paths with the detective once more. “We’ll find out who did this,” she assured him.

Dr. Mitchell nodded, grateful for her resolve. “And I’ll make sure she has the best care possible. She deserves nothing less.”

As he walked down the corridor, Dr. Mitchell couldn’t shake the image of the young woman’s face. He silently vowed to keep her case close to his heart, a reminder of the duty he had not just as a doctor, but as a protector of those who couldn’t protect themselves.