CHAPTER TWENTY NINE – THE HOME INVADERS

The screech of the taxi tires against the curb jolted Karina back to reality. St. Peter's Memorial Hospital loomed before her, a beacon of sterile light in the gathering darkness. Ignoring the throbbing pain in her ankle, she scrambled out of the taxi, her heart pounding a frantic tattoo against her ribs. Inside, the sterile scent of disinfectant hung heavy in the air. Karina rushed towards the reception desk, her breath coming in ragged gasps. A kind-faced woman with a gentle smile greeted her. "Can I help you, dear?" she inquired, her voice soothing. "My dad," Karina blurted out, her voice thick with panic. "Mr. Gomez. He's… at the hospital." The receptionist's smile faltered slightly. "Alright, calm down, dear. Take a deep breath. What's your father's name, and do you know which ward he's in?" Karina took a deep breath, forcing herself to focus. "Miguel Gomez. I don't know the ward, but the police officer said he had minor injuries." The receptionist tapped away on her compu