Broken Hands

118. Deadly trap

The massive gates of the Smith estate creaked open as Damien drove in, his grip tightening around the wheel. The guards greeted him, but he barely acknowledged them, pulling to a stop and climbing out in one swift motion, slamming the car door shut.

His mind was a storm of thoughts, but at the center of it all was Grayson.

The kid didn't purposely keep dangerous secrets—not like this. But that didn't mean he wasn't hiding something that would be putting his life in danger. Damien needed to make sure he was safe.

He strode toward the main house, but before he could reach the entrance, the gates groaned open again. Alex's car rolled in and parked beside his.

Damien stopped in his tracks.

Julian hopped out first, followed by Nora, and finally, Alex stepped out, shielding his eyes from the sunlight.

"Thought you were already here," Damien muttered, barely sparing his brother a glance.

Alex squinted. "And I thought you weren't coming till the weekend."

"Hi, Uncle Damien," Julian greeted.

"Hey, Julian. Fetch Grayson for me." Damien's voice was clipped.

Julian hesitated, glancing between his father and Damien. "Uh... they're not here."

Damien's eyes darkened. "What do you mean, they're not here?"

Julian swallowed hard. "Russell said they went on a joyride with Uncle Ray."

Damien's frown deepened, tension crackling in the air. Alex crossed his arms.

"What joyride?"

Julian shrugged. "Grandfather said they could go," he mumbled.

For a second, there was only silence. Then Damien turned on his heel and stormed off toward the east wing. Alex followed, though with less urgency, still piecing it all together. Nora draped an arm around Julian's shoulder as the boy shifted awkwardly.

It took only a few long, blurred steps before Damien reached his father's chambers. He knocked once, then pushed the door open without waiting.

Inside, Senior Smith sat calmly while a nurse removed a needle from his arm. He rolled his sleeve down at the sight of Damien.

"Damien," the old man greeted, voice composed.

Alex slipped in behind his brother, leaning against a nearby table, far less tense than Damien but no less curious.

"Father," Damien ground out, barely containing his temper.

The nurse excused herself, leaving them alone.

"What brings you both here?" Senior Smith asked leisurely. "When your boys are off."

Damien's jaw tightened. "Off where?"

The older man poured himself a glass of water, his movements slow, deliberate. "Off with Raymond. They wanted some adventure. Raymond insisted they stay, but you know boys would be boys."

Alex exchanged a glance with Damien. "When are they coming back?"

Their father took a sip of water, then gave a slight shrug. "I told them to enjoy themselves. And with Miami, they're—"

"Miami?!" Damien's voice cut through the air like a blade.

The old man raised a brow, looking genuinely surprised at his reaction. "Yes. Miami."

Damien's fists clenched. "Damn it!"

Alex straightened beside him, his expression shifting. "A joyride... in Miami?" His voice was low, realization dawning.