Page 25

Jake

R ex’s departure happened pretty fast after he told us he was leaving last night, and I know that means he thinks his lead is more than a little promising. I’ve seen the way my brother works throughout the years, and there is no chance in hell he would have taken off the way he did if he wasn’t nearly one hundred percent certain that he’s figured out what happened to Dre and where he is. I don’t know why he’s choosing to keep that information close to his chest right now, but I know he must have a good reason for it. Hopefully, once he’s followed whatever his lead is and got Dre back, he will tell us just what he found out and why he chose to keep whatever he found quiet.

What didn’t happen fast was the kitchen cleanup. Seth and Austin ended up spending two hours attempting to clean up the mess they managed to make while attempting to make those cookies. We’ve never been able to figure out just how they manage to get into those types of situations every time they attempt to bake something together. Cooking normally together, there is never an issue. Give them baking ingredients, and all hell breaks loose. Every. Single. Time. The time it took them to clean up did mean I couldn’t bake any cookies for Micah myself, though. It was really fucking late by the time they were done. Maybe I’ll get a chance to make him some today if I get a free moment.

On the bright side, at least they’ve given Micah a funny memory to look back on on his first day as part of our family and in his new home. It’s surely something he’s never going to forget. Hell, it’s something I’m not going to forget either. The looks on all three of their faces when we came in last night will forever be etched in my mind. This morning we’re heading over to The Clubhouse with Micah so he can hang out with Cam while we get the details on how Wrath and Flame want to handle the issues Micah brought to light. God, I can’t believe that was only a few days ago; with everything that’s been happening, it feels like it’s been so much longer than that. Normally I wouldn’t be involved in Church with just being a Prospect; however, I got a message this morning asking me to attend. I have no idea why, but I’m sure I’ll find out shortly.

The excitement Micah is experiencing at the thought of seeing Cam today is palpable, but there’s also an underlying worry he’s also carrying, which I’m guessing comes from him being unsure about how Cam is going to treat him because Micah spoke up about everything that had been going on. I don’t think he needs to worry; Cam is level-headed and knows Micah did the right thing. That he was only trying to protect his friend. I can’t see Cam holding it against Micah; he just isn’t that type of person.

Instead of us all heading over to The Compound in the MC SUV that Piston left for us, on the orders of Wrath, we decide to take our bikes instead, with Micah hopping on behind Flash. You’d think Christmas had come early for those two with the level of excitement coming off them because they’re going on a ride together. I think it’s adorable, but I won’t be telling Flash that; I don’t think he’d appreciate me calling him adorable.

Riding to The Clubhouse is an experience, listening to the laughter coming from Micah through the headsets within all our helmets. He’s definitely got the riding bug just like his older brother; I foresee a bike of his own in the future. I have a strong feeling that Flash will be taking a leaf out of Wrath and Flame’s book and getting Micah a bike to work on the same way they did for Cam on his recent birthday.

I think they will both more than enjoy working on a bike together, something that’s just between the two of them and will give them more than enough time to bond and get to know one another without any pressure. I know Flash has experience having a younger brother, having grown up with Wyatt, but it’s different with Micah. Flash isn’t just his older brother; he’s his guardian, his stand-in parent really, and they are still really unfamiliar with each other. Working on a bike together will give them something to do together without all their focus being on establishing their relationship.

As I dismount my bike after parking up outside The Clubhouse, I look over at the sound of Micah’s excited voice, and I can’t help but smile at the sight of him bouncing happily next to Flash with his arms moving fast and talking a mile a minute. From the parts I can hear, it sounds like he’s telling Flash about how much he enjoys being on the back of his bike and the way it makes him feel free. Yep, he’s definitely been bitten by the riding bug. There’s no going back now.

They’re a few steps ahead of me as we walk towards the entrance to The Clubhouse; however, after they’ve entered, I soon end up right behind them as Micah’s footsteps have stopped as he stands staring into The Common Room. Looking over his head, I see what’s caused him to halt. Cam is standing a few steps inside the room with his full attention on the doorway.

Cam doesn’t think twice when he sees Micah standing in the doorway like a statue; he walks quickly over towards him. Almost running. I already know this is going to go exactly like I expected; Cam looks more than a little happy to see his friend.

“Micah! You’re here!” Cam exclaims excitedly.

Micah’s head shoots up at Cam’s excited voice, and he must see what I do as he starts heading towards his friend. I move next to Flash, who reaches out and grabs my hand as we watch Cam engulf Micah in a massive hug. We can’t hear what he’s saying to Micah as he’s talking directly into his ear, but whatever he’s saying is causing Micah to nod his head against the boy’s shoulder.

“I knew everything would be okay. I have a feeling those two are going to be best friends for years to come.” I say under my breath so only Flash can hear me.

“I think you’re right there. Shall we head towards Church?”

“Yeah. It’s not a regular occurrence for me to be included.”

“No, but this isn’t a regular thing we’re dealing with either. I’m sure you have nothing to worry about. They’re probably including you because you were one of the first ones to find out what was going on.”

He’s not wrong there. This isn’t normal club business; this is far more personal than that. I’m hoping what Flash is thinking is right; I don’t want to even contemplate the other reasons they could be calling me into Church. Like ending my prospect period without me earning my patch. If that happens, I’ll be devastated.