Page 50 of Beautiful Agony

Clifton, I recall the file that Demyon handed me all those weeks ago about the Huang family.

The sight of Lacey supporting her father's weight with such tenderness makes my throat tight. She guides him forward, each step with infinite patience, murmuring soft encouragements.

Clifton's eyes dart around the room in confusion before landing on me. Fear flashes across his weathered features, and he presses closer to Lacey's side as he tries to shield her behind him.

The gesture is purely instinctive—a father's need to protect his daughter, even when his mind can no longer comprehend the danger.

"It's okay, Dad," Lacey soothes, rubbing gentle circles on his back. "We're going somewhere new for a little while. Just until things settle down."

My heart clenches at the way her voice catches on those last words. Clifton's brow furrows as he tries to process what she's saying. The confusion in his eyes cuts deeper than any knife could.

This is the man who gave her a home when her birth parents abandoned her.

Who loved her as his own daughter.

And now he can barely understand what's happening around him.

I glance at Freddy, expecting to see some reaction to his father's condition. But the worthless fuck won't even look at Clifton. He keeps his gaze fixed on the floor, shoulders hunched, still reeking of piss and fear.

The contrast between brother and sister couldn't be starker. While Lacey tenderly supports their failing father, Freddy can't even acknowledge Clifton's presence.

I grab Freddy by his collar, wrinkling my nose at the stench of piss. "Move," I growl, shoving him toward the door. His feet stumble over themselves as he hurries to comply.

Outside, Lacey has already helped Clifton into the back seat of the SUV. The gentle way she guides his movements, ensuring his seatbelt is secure, makes my chest tighten. Even now, she shows such care for her family.

"Get in," I order Freddy, pointing to the seat beside me. "Front."

He hesitates, glancing at the back where Lacey sits with Clifton. "But?—"

"Your father needs someone familiar next to him right now." My fingers dig into his shoulder. "But I don't want your piss-soaked pants anywhere near him. Understand?"

Freddy nods frantically and scrambles into the passenger seat. I slide behind the wheel, checking the rearview mirror to see Lacey speaking softly to Clifton, who stares out the window with vacant eyes.

I'm start the engine and that's when the crack of gunfire splits the air. The window behind the passenger window explodes inward, right where Lacey's head had been moments before.

16

LACEY

The gunshot impactsthe window beside me with a deafening crack. My heart lurches into my throat as glass spiders but doesn't break.

Yet.

"Get down!" Vadim roars, jamming the accelerator. The SUV surges forward with a violent lurch that throws me into my seat.

Another shot rings out behind us, the back window buckles. I react on instinct, grabbing Dad and pulling him down with me. The leather seats creak as we huddle together on the floorboard.

"Laura!" Dad cries out in confusion, his voice trembling. "Laura, where are you?"

My chest constricts at hearing Mom's name. Hot tears spill down my cheeks as I hold him tighter, trying to protect him from the chaos erupting around us. "It's okay, Dad. I'm here. I've got you," I choke out, but he keeps calling for her.

"Laura! Laura!" His desperate pleas pierce straight through my heart. Even now, years after her death, he still reaches for herfirst in moments of fear. I squeeze my eyes shut, feeling utterly helpless as tears stream down my face.

The SUV swerves hard, tires squealing. Through my blurred vision, I see Vadim's white-knuckled grip on the steering wheel as he weaves through traffic. Freddy whimpers from the front seat, and for once I don't blame him—I'm terrified too.

But it's Dad's continued calls for Mom that break me completely. Each desperate "Laura!" rips open old wounds, reminding me of everything we've lost. I press my face against his shoulder, my tears soaking into his shirt as I try to comfort him the only way I can—by holding him close while our world explodes into chaos once again.

The car lurches onto the highway entrance ramp, tires screeching as Vadim takes the turn at breakneck speed. My heart pounds against my ribs as I scan the road behind us, but no more shots follow. The immediate danger seems to have passed, at least for now.

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