My hand shook as I gripped my cane tightly. After a long moment, I clenched my teeth, leaned on the cane and slowly knelt down.
Bennett looked at me and laughed loudly. He clapped his hands, then took out his phone. “What a great moment! I have to record it!”
I gritted my teeth. “Where’s my dad?”
He put his phone away and gave me a mean smile. “Since you already knelt, I’ll be kind and tell you.”
"Here's a hint: Southville River."
I turned and walked away, Bennett’s loud laugh ringing behind me. When we reached the river, my men suddenly shouted in shock.
Under the faint moonlight, a figure was curled up in the mud. It was my dad!
He was covered in blood, his clothes torn to pieces, his face bruised and swollen, almost impossible to recognize.
“Dad! Dad!” I screamed, my whole body turning cold. I slipped forward and pulled him into my arms.
His body was cold and his breathing was so weak it felt like it could stop at any moment.
"Dad! Please don't sleep! Look at me!" My voice shook as fear entered my heart.
He struggled to open his eyes. The eyes that once looked at me kindly were now red. His rough, cracked hand shook as he slowly reached out and gently touched my face.