James Johnson emerged from the park’s edge, his figure tall and authoritative, cutting through the gathering crowd. His eyes locked onto Aisha, and his expression shifted from confusion to protective resolve. The air around them crackled with tension as he approached, his stride purposeful and unwavering.
“What’s going on here?” James demanded, his voice firm yet controlled.
The crowd parted slightly, creating a clear path between him and the officers. Daniels, caught off guard, straightened up, momentarily losing his composure. He hesitated, the authority he wielded moments ago now challenged by a presence he hadn’t anticipated—a father, strong and unyielding, standing up for his child.