Chapter 38
POV: Emma
Something strange was happening.
Damian had been checking his phone every few minutes all morning.
Each time it buzzed, his shoulders stiffened.
Each time he slipped it back into his pocket, he forced another smile.
It wasn't very convincing.
I found him in the courtyard pretending to tighten a loose bench.
Pretending.
Because he'd been turning the same screw for five minutes.
"You know," I said, "if you tighten that any more, it'll become one piece of wood."
He looked up, startled.
"Oh."
"Bad day?"
"Not yet."
"That doesn't sound hopeful."
He chuckled, but it faded quickly.
Before I could ask another question, the low rumble of several engines echoed outside the gate.
Everyone looked up.
Three glossy black SUVs rolled to a stop.
Walter blinked.
"I
