Chapter 236 Amusement Park Crisis Part V

Chapter 236 Amusement Park Crisis Part V
Bradley POV

I immediately dialed Diana's number.

"Bradley!" Diana's voice came through, filled with fear. In the background, I could hear Joanne's sobbing. "What's going on?"

"Listen to me, Diana," I worked to keep my voice steady, refusing to let my panic infect her. "I can see you at the top. Have the children sit still and hold onto the handles tightly. Don't leave your seats."

"Okay," her trembling voice carried hints of forced composure. "The children are terrified, Bradley."

"Tell them Dad's going to fix this."

I ended the call and strode quickly toward the Ferris wheel control station. Several staff members were frantically working the control panel, trying to stabilize the structure. A man in a management uniform was directing people away from the danger zone.

"When will the rescue team arrive?" I asked him directly.

He turned around, forehead beaded with sweat. "Sir, please return to the safety area. We've contacted emergency rescue services, and they're on their way."

"Specific time," I insisted, my voice carrying unmistakable authority.

"At least..." he hesitated, "an hour. The nearby rescue teams are handling another emergency, and the high-altitude specialists need to come from the neighboring city."

An hour. I looked up at the swaying Ferris wheel, knowing it wouldn't last that long. Another sound of metal breaking came, and the entire structure tilted several more degrees to one side, triggering a new round of screams.

I dialed Diana again.

"Bradley," her voice was even more strained now, "something just broke. The car is tilting."

"Diana, listen," I took a deep breath, "the rescue team won't be here for at least an hour. I can't wait that long. I'm coming up to get you."

"What? No, it's too dangerous!" she exclaimed.

"Trust me, I know what I'm doing. Tell the children to hang on, Dad's coming right away."

Before she could object, I hung up. I scanned the area and found coils of climbing rope and safety equipment at the park's maintenance station. Fully equipped, I returned to the base of the Ferris wheel, where staff members tried to stop me.

"Sir, this is too risky!" The supervisor attempted to block my path. "Please wait for the professional rescue team."

"That's my family up there," I replied calmly but firmly. "If you can't help, at least don't get in my way."

I pushed him aside forcefully and began climbing the wheel's framework. He shouted protests from below, but I was already focused on my ascent. As the height increased, the wind grew stronger, making the entire process more dangerous. I could feel the metal structure trembling under my hands, emitting unsettling sounds.

As I passed the first trapped car, the passengers immediately recognized I was attempting a rescue.

"Save us!" a young man shouted, reaching out to grab me.

"I'm sorry," I continued climbing, "I need to reach my family first. Rescue teams are coming soon, please hold on."

Similar pleas repeated as I passed each car. Every refusal tormented me inside, but I had to prioritize Diana and the children's safety.

Finally, I approached the top car. Diana was clutching Joanne tightly, while Jacob sat opposite them, jaw clenched in a show of bravery, but the fear in his eyes couldn't deceive anyone.

"Diana! Jacob! Joanne!" I called out.

Three pairs of eyes turned to me simultaneously, their expressions transforming from fear to surprise, then hope.

"Bradley!"

"Dad!"

I carefully moved to the side of their car, gripping the metal frame to stabilize myself. "Is everyone okay? Anyone hurt?"

"We're fine," Diana answered, despite her pale face, "just terrified."

I quickly assessed the situation. The car's connection points were severely deformed and could break at any moment. I needed to act immediately.

"Listen, I brought rope, but I can only take one person down at a time," I explained, securing my safety harness and fixing the rope.

"Take the children first," Diana said instantly.

I shook my head. "You go first. You're pregnant; any violent movement or impact is more dangerous for you and the baby. Plus, the children will need someone to comfort them when they get down."

Diana wanted to argue, but seeing my determined gaze, she understood my logic was correct. I helped her into the harness, ensuring the rope was securely attached.

"Hold the rope tightly, I'll control the descent speed," I instructed. "Try to keep your body relaxed and let me do most of the work."

Diana nodded, turning to the children. "Mom will be waiting for you down below. Listen to your father, okay?"

She looked at me, her eyes mixing fear with trust. I kissed her gently: "I'll take care of the kids."

Diana began her descent. I controlled the rope, ensuring she safely approached the ground. I breathed a sigh of relief but couldn't fully relax yet.

I quickly pulled the rope back up, preparing to return for the children. Just then, the Ferris wheel let out a massive creaking sound, and the entire structure tilted several more degrees. I knew time was running out.

"Jacob, Joanne," I tried to keep my voice steady and confident, "we need to go down together. The rope is strong enough to hold both of you at once."

I helped them into safety harnesses, making sure they held tightly to me and the rope.

"Hold on to me, and whatever happens, don't let go," I commanded.

The children nodded, gripping me tightly.

I began our slow descent. This was much more difficult than taking Diana down alone, but adrenaline gave me extra strength.

When we were about twenty feet from the ground, the Ferris wheel made another terrifying cracking sound. I increased our speed, despite the added risk.

Finally, we safely reached the ground. Diana immediately rushed forward, embracing the children.

Soon, a crowd gathered around me, begging me to rescue their loved ones trapped above. Among them, I recognized the parents of the boys who had confronted Jacob at the inflatable castle. Now, their earlier arrogance and accusations had completely vanished, replaced by naked fear and pleas.

"Please save my son!" one father begged, his voice shaking.

Jacob stood beside me, coldly watching the parents who had caused him and Joanne distress. "Now you come asking for help?"

I squeezed his shoulder lightly, signaling him not to kick them while they were down.

I looked at the precariously tilting Ferris wheel, then at my family. Diana's eyes were full of concern, but she didn't try to stop me. She knew me, understood I couldn't stand by in this situation.

"I'll do what I can," I told the crowd, "but I need more rope and safety equipment."

Staff members quickly provided additional rescue gear. I secured my harness again, preparing to climb once more.

Diana came to my side, saying nothing but everything.

"I have to do this," I said softly, "I can't just watch those people wait to die."

Diana took a deep breath and nodded. "I know. But you must be careful."

"I never take unnecessary risks," I assured her.

Just then, Jacob and Joanne ran up and hugged my legs.

"Dad, be careful," Jacob said, tears glistening in his eyes, but his voice steady, "we need you to come back safe."

"Yes, Daddy," Joanne also held me tight, "please come back."

I knelt down, embracing them both. "I promise," I looked directly into their eyes, "Dad's just going to help some people who need help, and I'll be back soon."

Standing up, I took one last look at Diana. Her eyes held both fear and understanding.

"Watch the kids," I told her, "and don't try to help me this time."

Diana broke into a tearful smile, nodding. "Go on, hero. I'll be waiting here."