Love beyond the mask (Whitney) novel Chapter 955

In the heart of Ashwood City's Historic Quarter, nestled within the Harmony Estates, Parker raced against time. The community, a cluster of dated townhouses squeezed into the old district, was notorious for its cramped living conditions and narrow streets. Upon reaching the entrance by car, Parker was met with a scene of congestion so severe that the narrow path leading into the estates was completely blocked.

It was late at night, yet the disturbance had awakened many residents, who now gathered at the entrance, murmuring and speculating amongst themselves.

The continuous wail of police sirens, accompanied by the flashing red lights, signaled a major incident within one of the ancient buildings.

Stepping out, Parker's tall figure paused, his brow furrowed in concern.

"Should I clear the crowd, sir?" one of his men asked, observing the sea of people that seemed endless.

"There's no time," Parker replied, shaking his head. With the police already on the scene, he was reassured of the safety to some extent.

What he needed to ascertain now was whether the little girl discovered inside was indeed his Cherry, and who was the 'woman' that had called the police.

With determined strides, he parted the crowd, ducking under the police tape and making his way into the heart of the chaos.

As he pushed through more onlookers, a black minivan, its front end crumpled against a wall corner, came into view. Several officers were arresting two men near the vehicle.

Meanwhile, paramedics and a traffic cop were questioning someone in the corner. The faint light from nearby windows revealed a small figure among them, a child being placed on a stretcher, with medics attending to her.

Cherry?!

A chill ran down Parker's spine as he approached, disbelief in his step. "Cherry!" he called out, his voice filled with a mix of fear and urgency.

The medics were momentarily pulled aside as Parker rushed to the stretcher, his gaze intensely fixed on the small form lying there. His hands trembled slightly as he gently brushed aside the hair covering the girl's face, revealing cuts and bruises that made his heart sink. It was his child.

"Sweetheart?" Parker's voice broke as he leaned closer, his large hand hesitating to touch her face, fingers curling in restraint. He lightly shook her shoulder, his eyes, usually fierce, now shimmered with unshed tears, "Sweetie, it's Daddy. Please, wake up...darling."

A medic, wary of Parker's imposing presence, approached him softly, "Sir, she's fainted. There's a slight concussion, and she seems to have been through a severe shock. She needs immediate care."

Snapped out of his despair, Parker stepped aside, allowing the medics to continue their work, his concern evident.

His attention then shifted to a conversation nearby. "Was it that lady who helped my child?" he asked, pointing toward the ongoing questioning.