Femme Fatale: The King's Deadly Temptress

"Do you know who it was? The person who threatened you?" William asked while Damien was trying to wrap his head around the fact that it happened when he was a teenager and had no idea about it.

Joseph's brows were deeply furrowed. He stared at the floor as the memory from that time played in his head. "I could've handled it even if my job was at risk. My boss could've fired me all he wanted and I would've risked it just to uncover the truth. But putting my pregnant wife at the hands of the devil?" He shook his head. "Whoever they were, I didn't want to find out. It killed me to leave the job I worked so hard for, but my family's safety comes first.

"After I resigned, I brought my family back to my hometown in Tori Ville. I applied for the local precinct but someone must've gotten to them because they rejected me. I haven't worked in a force since. I took up some training for labor jobs where I eventually ended up in an auto shop before we moved here. This is my wife's hometown. Her home. This is home for me now, too. I can't put them in danger again."

After a moment, Damien got to his feet. "Is there anything else that might help us? Anything at all."

"Like I told you. I don't know much. I stopped before I got in too deep and I wished I hadn't. Those people, whoever they were, weren't afraid of God."

Damien and William exchanged resigned glances. The former thought that although coming here today brought painful memories and discoveries, it was a good decision. He learned valuable information in just an hour—which was a lot more than he had in years. "Don't worry, Mr. Bennet. We're not here to hurt your family."

Taking out a calling card from his wallet, Damien handed it over to Joseph. "This is my personal line. If you ever remember something after today, or if you need anything at all. Anything. Call me."

Joseph stared at the card between them and for a second, Damien thought he wouldn't accept it, but in the end, Joseph took the card. "Okay."

"I'm sorry for the trouble. Have a good night." Damien nodded to William and the two of them walked out of the garage with Joseph following behind them.

Just before they could get in the car, Damien stopped in his tracks and faced Joseph. "Did he… My father…" He swallowed. "Did he suffer?"

Joseph Bennet looked like he hadn't expected that question. He blinked, took a deep breath, and said, "No. He died on impact."

Damien's eyes closed, a long breath leaving his lips as if he was expelling the gripping feeling in his chest. It still hurt. Even now that he was grown, his father's death knocked him down the pedestal. He wished his father was here to see his accomplishments, to meet Katherine, or even to meet Amelia, the woman Lawrence once loved.

He cleared his throat as his eyes opened. The gnawing feeling still lingered, but he would just have to go through with it. Damien reached into the inner pocket of his coat where he kept a pen and his checkbook and wrote an amount that should be more than enough to cover a few months' wages for a town like this, but less than what Damien actually wanted to give him.

"For today's trouble," said Damien as he handed it over to Joseph.

"No, I can't take that."

"Please. It's the least I can do." He planned to give more later, but he'd have to assess Joseph and his family's living and financial situation first. So this would have to do for now. "Dad would've wanted me to do this."

After much hesitation, Joseph accepted the check and his eyes widened at the amount written on it. His jaw dropped. "This is…"

"Not enough, I know. But anything more than that and my bank would've to clear it with me, which would only delay you. Thanks for talking to us. Goodnight, Mr. Bennet."

"No, son, this is too much—" Joseph tried to hand it back but Damien already turned around, got in the car, and sped off. He would monitor his account if Joseph cashed in the check, and then he would go from there. Damien didn't lie when he said his father would've wanted him to do it.

An hour later and they landed on the rooftop of Crown Resort Group. The sun was setting, creating an orange hue that glowed on the horizon, and the wind was cool in Harbor City that time of year.

The first thing Damien did was to text Katherine to tell her he was back in the city, and that he'd see her again soon after his talk with William.

[ My Queen: That was fast. Do you want me to come over? ]

He was about to type his reply when his cousin placed a hand on his shoulder. "What are you going to do now?" William questioned as they stepped into the elevator that would bring them to Damien's floor. "Because if you ask me, I'm sure my father would have answers." There's a noticeable bite in his tone and the furrowing of his brows showed how bothered he was about their findings.

"Sure. But first, I want to check something." The elevator door opened but Damien did not step out. Instead, he faced William, his eyes narrowing in concentration while the gears in his head turned. He had been thinking about it ever since they left the garage.

"What is it?"

"Remember what Bennet said? Dad came from Highway 38."

"So?"

"He'd never go that far during the night unless it was really important. So what could be so important for him to leave the city and then got himself…killed afterward?"

William blinked as he put the pieces together. "That would be odd indeed. Uncle Lawrence never liked driving at night. So where did he go?"

The moment the words left William's lips, their eyes widened. They were struck with the same thought.

"Gramp's Cabin!" said William at the same time that Damien muttered, "Grandpa's Cabin."

It had to be their grandfather's cabin. That was the only place they knew which route went through Highway 38. Furthermore, if Frederick had something to do with the accident, then it would surely be because of a family matter. Damien and William might be on a wild goose chase with their speculation, but they were willing to go on the chase.

"You have somewhere to be tonight? Because I'm going there with or without you." Damien pushed the basement parking's button on the elevator's panel.

"No. I'm going with you."

[ Damien: Sorry love. I'll be coming back late. Need to go out of the city with William. Call Markus to drive you if you want to go home. Don't leave the hospital alone ]

Katherine responded right away.

[ My Queen: Should I be worried? Emma went home, but Ali is still here. Caleb arrived too just now ]

That made him feel better, knowing that she wasn't alone.

[ Damien: We just need to check something at my grandfather's cabin. Nothing to worry. Love you Katherine ]