Chapter 10
The armored SUVs tore away from the quiet suburban street, their massive tires gripping the wet asphalt as they sped back toward the industrial heart of the city. The rain had intensified, washing over the windshields in heavy, cinematic sheets. Inside the cabin, Damian loaded a fresh magazine into his sidearm, the sharp metallic click punctuating the heavy silence.
"ETA is five minutes, Boss," the driver called back, gripping the steering wheel tightly.
Damian stared out at the passing streetlights. His mind flashed back to the grand ballroom, to Lila’s sweet face in her pale-pink dress, holding the antique music box that had unlocked this entire nightmare. She had asked him to bring her brother home so they could share her birthday cake. It was an innocent, pure request, and Damian intended to fulfill it, even if he had to burn the city to the ground to do so.
"When we breach the gates, we go straight for the main warehouse," Damian commanded over the tactical radio channel, ensuring every man in the convoy heard him. "Take out the perimeter guards immediately. We do not stop moving until we secure the boy. Am I understood?"
"Yes, Boss!" a chorus of disciplined voices echoed back through the earpiece.
The convoy rounded a sharp corner, the massive, rusting iron gates of the east river shipping yards looming in the distance. Through the heavy rain, Damian could see the faint yellow glow of industrial lights illuminating the towering smokestacks of the incinerator building.
Two unmarked black vans were parked near the loading dock.
"Ram the gates," Damian ordered, his voice ice-cold.
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The lead SUV accelerated, its reinforced steel bumper smashing violently through the chained iron gates, sending sparks flying into the rainy night. The element of surprise was gone, replaced by sudden, overwhelming force.
As the vehicles screeched to a halt in the muddy yard, Damian kicked his door open. He stepped out into the storm, his rugged, deeply masculine face set in a mask of ultimate vengeance, ready to face whatever darkness waited inside to save the son he never knew he had.
