I put my arm around her. “I hope this means you’ll move back to Bastion.”
Mickey turned toward Justin. He gave her a sharp nod. “I guess I am.”
“I’m glad. Despite everything, I missed you.” I refused to hold on to feelings of betrayal and anger. It would do no good to harbor such feelings. Johnny would want me to forgive Mickey and embrace his son. My mom’s words rushed back to me,“Forgive and forget swiftly, Eve. Bitterness poisons the soul.”
Yes, indeed it did, Mom.
Mickey leaned into me. “I haven’t seen Jax this happy in a very long time. I’m so grateful to Markey for helping me and befriending Jax.”
When Markey and Mickey found Jax several weeks ago, he’d been mixed in with a group of druggies. Ironic, after his father had OD’d.
Mickey and Markey had helped Jax detox, and he’d been doing better. The boy had been desperate to know his dad. Even though Johnny was gone, my dad would make sure Jax knew everything about Johnny and then some.
“How’s Art doing?” Mickey asked.
“He’s wonderful and recovering quite nicely.” Our relationship was totally out in the open. We hadn’t caught much heat from the members in the club. Storm wouldn’t allow it. Most appeared okay with me being with Art, except for Raul and Justin. They hadn’t said anything to me, but they had warned Art that if he hurt me, they’d make him pay, and it wouldn’t be pleasant. They were loyal to Matt even in his death.
“I’m so glad. Where is he? I thought he would’ve been here with you.”
“Oh, he wanted to be here, but he had something infinitely more important to take care of. Y’know, club business.” I winked and peered around her at Justin.
We held each other’s gaze, both knowing what would be taking place soon. Not that Justin was privy to club details anymore; he wasn’t. That didn’t mean he hadn’t a clue how the Knights dealt with issues. He’d been around longer than I had, so I was sure he had some idea.
“Life sure is crazy, dontcha think?” Mickey said. “Twenty years ago, I never imagined being in this place again or being with Justin.”
“Me either,” I told her honestly. Twenty years ago, I was desperately, madly in love with my Knight. Our lives were just getting started. We had a lot of good times together and some sad times too. My feelings would never change for my husband. I would always love him and miss him.
The heart was a miraculous organ capable of infinite love for many. I learned that because of Art. I owed him more than I could ever repay him for not giving up on me.
27
Art
Church was in full swing. Storm had begun it by welcoming me back, and my brothers had pounded the table to show their support.
It felt good to be back in the fold with my MC family. For a while, I’d felt like an outsider because of the secrets I’d been keeping. It hadn’t been easy, but I would do anything for Eve.
“I’m keeping this meeting short. We’ve got a lot of shit on our plates, brothers.” Storm looked at Wolf. “Glad to have you home, man. Sorry, it isn’t permanent.”
Wolf grunted with a displeased expression. He hadn’t found Ciro Remotti’s sister, Rosa. He’d looked in every corner and under every rock in the Twin Cities to no avail. Rosa was nowhere to be found. Grizz had similar results on the dark web, then we caught a break. Cobra had recently heard of a strip club near Minot, far north by the Canadian border. He’d felt it was unusual and wanted to check it out. It was a long shot, but maybe Rosa was there. Wolf would soon find out when he went with Cobra’s crew to investigate.
“First, Deek appreciates our help. They are slowly getting up and running again.”
“I’m not sure if that’s good or bad, Prez.” Boxer squeezed his stress ball in his hand. “How do we know they won’t retaliate? They were never our friends.”
Storm reclined in his chair. “Well, you voted yes to help them.”
“I know! Didn’t want to be the odd man out.”
“You wouldn’t have been,” Ire said. “I would’ve voted no too if someone had done it before me.”
“All right, all right.” Storm slammed his hand on the desk. “We are not going to rehash this. What’s done is done. Just move the fuck on, brother.”
Boxer glared at Storm but kept his mouth shut.
“Copper hasn’t found Irisah. He’s currently in Iowa searching the state with the Fallen Soldiers. I’d hoped she would’ve been found by now to question her about Jordy’s dirty dealings.”
“Time has run out,” Wolf muttered. “Rosa is probably long gone.”