Chapter 30: Crown of Smoke: Chapter 30

I pull up to the gleaming glass tower. The Kean name blazes in gold letters across the front, a monument to their stolen empire. My family’s empire.

Lucy’s little blue car sits empty in a space out front. I hope that’s a good sign and that she’s still here, alive and well. Damn her stubbornness. I told her to wait, to let me help. But no, she had to charge in here alone, thinking an office setting would protect her. As if walls and witnesses mean anything to men like Ronan.

I scan the building’s entrance. Security cameras track every angle, and suited guards flank the doors. Getting in won’t be easy, especially since I’m probably on their watch list after the fights. But Lucy’s up there somewhere.

I put my head down as I stride into the lobby. It’s familiar. How many times had I walked in here to visit my father? I worked summers in this building. But while I can recognize it, it doesn’t feel the same. The Kean taint is everywhere.

The receptionist sits behind a curved desk, tapping away at her keyboard with manicured nails.

‘I’m looking for my sister.’ I act irritated that I’m having to wait. ‘She had a meeting with Mr. Kean.’

The receptionist’s red lips curl up at the corners. ‘Security just escorted her out.’

Fuck. That’s not a good sign. Every instinct screams at me to grab the receptionist and demand answers, but I can’t blow what’s left of my cover. Not when Lucy could be in real danger.

‘Which exit did they take her to?’ I keep my voice steady.

‘I’m afraid I can’t disclose that information.’ Her smirk widens. ‘Security protocols, you understand.’

My jaw clenches so hard it hurts. I pull out my phone, dialing Lucy’s number. The call goes straight to voicemail. ‘Come on, Lucy. Pick up.’ I try again, pacing the marble lobby floor while the receptionist watches.

“Thanks,” I say to the woman as I head out the door. The last thing I need is for Kean’s goons to take note of me. On the street, I open the tracking app my brothers installed. The loading circle spins and my breath holds. Finally, the signal connects, showing a blinking dot moving away from the building.

Fuck. They’ve taken her. I rush to my car and take off, following the dot on my phone. My heart rate spikes when I realize the direction they’re taking her. They’re heading straight for the Kean estate. My former home.

The sprawling mansion is gaudy, nothing like the architectural beauty that had stood there as I was growing up. The estate sits on acres of private land, far from prying eyes. Well-guarded. It’s not an easy place to breech.

‘No, no, no.’ I slam my palm against the wheel. I pull over out of the way of any security and call Phoenix. “Lucy’s been taken to the Kean estate. I need backup.’

“What the fuck, Flint? Where are you?”

“Outside the estate. I saw she went to Kean’s office and tried to stop her, but⁠—”

“Where are you now?” The sound of his voice has changed, suggesting he’s put the phone on speaker mode.

“Outside the estate, I said. I⁠—”

‘Don’t blow our cover. We’ve worked too long for this.’

He’s right. If I reveal myself, the element of surprise when we finally strike the Keans will be gone. But Lucy’s in there.

‘I’m going in after her.’ My voice comes out raw, brooking no argument.

‘Flint, think about what you’re⁠—”

‘They have Lucy.’ The words tear from my throat. ‘I won’t lose another person I care about to these bastards.’

Silence crackles over the line. Then Blaise’s voice cuts in. ‘You’ll blow our whole operation.’

‘I don’t care.’

‘This is exactly why I said love makes you weak,’ Ash growls through the speaker.

‘I’m going in. Back me up or don’t, but I won’t let the Keans take someone else from me.’ My mind is made up.

“Fucking hell… we’re on our way. Don’t do anything yet,” Phoenix commands.

“You have ten minutes.” I hang up before they can argue further. My decision is made. Lucy comes first, even if it means sacrificing everything else.

It’s more like fifteen minutes later when they show up.

‘You’re a fool,’ Ash says, ‘but we won’t let you do this alone.’

‘We’ve got your back,’ Blaise adds. ‘Always have.’

Relief floods through me. ‘Thanks.”

“Can we do this without revealing who we are?” Blaise asks.

‘I might have an idea,’ Phoenix says.

The tracking dot blinks steadily on my phone screen. It shows her in the house. I’m a little surprised it’s still on. Didn’t they take her phone?

Doesn’t matter. The Keans have no idea what’s coming for them.

The estate looms ahead, a monument to everything the Keans stole from us. It’s time for me to walk through those gates again and show the Keans just who they’ve fucked with.

I check my weapons that Phoenix brought me, ready to protect what’s mine. Lucy might hate me for lying, might never forgive me for dragging her into this world, but I’ll die before I let them hurt her.