Chapter 324
A heavy blow landed on Jamison’s back–a shovel, swung with full force. He staggered, nearly losing his balance, but his hands never stopped their desperate work.
Four golden minutes. That’s all he had. Miss that window, and the old man’s life would slip away forever. Gritting his teeth, Jamison focused on the resuscitation, shutting out the chaos around him.
“Jamison!” Ivy rushed to shield him, planting herself between his back and the mob. Her voice cracked as she looked up, eyes wild with fury. “He’s a doctor! He’s trying to save him! Are you all blind?”
“Who do you think you’re fooling? There’s no way you people would help us!” someone spat back.
“He really is a doctor! He’s saving him, I swear! I’m a police officer–doesn’t that mean anything to you?” Warren shouted, his patience gone.
But the villagers refused to listen. In their eyes, the police were outsiders, no different from the people they distrusted. And as for Daisy’s family? They’d never believe they’d come to help.
The chaos grew as more villagers–women clutching their children–pushed their way into the fray, shouting and shoving. The police hesitated, boxed in and
pered by the swelling crowd.
“Quick! Carry Grandpa Walter back inside! Call an ambulance–dial 911!” someone yelled.
“But the road’s blocked–rocks everywhere! The ambulance can’t get through!”
“Just get him out of here first! Someone find Dr. Gregory–tell him to get over here, now!”
Ivy had no idea that the “Dr. Gregory” they called for was the same man who had nearly assaulted her years ago.
The angry villagers shoved Jamison aside, tearing the unconscious old man from his grasp. The bodyguards closed ranks around Jamison and Ivy, pulling them away from the mob.
Ivy, frantic and shaking with rage, clung to Jamison’s arm. “Are you alright? Are you hurt? These people don’t deserve your help!”
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14:50
“I’m fine. Don’t worry.” Jamison’s entire back was numb, sharp pain shooting through his muscles, but he forced himself to stay calm, trying to soothe Ivy instead.
Suddenly, a shout rang out from the villagers up ahead. “Grandpa Walter’s coughing up blood! So much blood!”
“Oh God, he’s not going to make it!”
Panic swept through the crowd. They set the limp old man down on the ground, waving flashlights and torches, calling out in desperation.
“Grandpa Walter, wake up!”
“You can’t go yet–your great–grandson isn’t even born! Don’t you want to meet him?”
Warren sprang into action, rushing over to check the old man’s condition. It was worse than he feared.
“I told you not to move him! You wouldn’t listen!” Warren barked. He was a cop, but he couldn’t just stand by and watch someone die. He glanced back at Jamison, now shielded behind a wall of bodyguards, and called out urgently. “Dr. Ludwig, please–can you take another look? He’s fading fast!”
Jamison’s jaw clenched. He hated these people. Part of him thought they deserved whatever came to them.
But he was a doctor. And a doctor’s duty was to save lives–any life.
So when Warren begged for help, Jamison didn’t hesitate. He stepped forward, ready to try one more time.
Ivy grabbed his sleeve, eyes brimming with tears. “Don’t go–please-”
“It’ll be alright. I promise.” He squeezed her hand, then strode out from behind the guards, voice low and steady. “Keep Miss Windsor safe.”
“Jamison!” Ivy tried to follow, but the bodyguards held her back. “Miss Windsor, it’s not safe over there,” one said, blocking her path.
Jamison hadn’t even reached the patient before the crowd surged again, voices rising in angry accusation.
“Don’t let him touch Grandpa Walter! He’s the one who made it worse!”
“Yeah! He’s working with the cops, don’t trust him!”
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14-59
“Let’s make them pay for Grandpa Walter!”
The ringleader whipped the crowd into a frenzy, and suddenly they were rushing forward, fists raised, ready for a fight.
Warren couldn’t believe their ignorance. In desperation, he signaled the officers to close in and protect Jamison.
This time, the police didn’t hold back. Anyone who got too close was wrestled to the ground and cuffed without hesitation.
15:00