“No strip clubs,” I replied, amused. “We’re looking for a garage, an office for Christian to work out of; he manages the Phoenix Trust. We also want a property for a dojo, an event planning office, and somewhere for a tattoo parlour. We’re also interested in the ice rink, arts and crafts store—and do you have a swimming pool?”
Falcon’s head swatted towards me. “What?”
“I kind of thought you’d train when you retired,” I said with a shrug. Falcon pursed his lips as Cates scrutinised him.
“You’re Falcon Blackelk! The Olympic swimmer!”
“Yeah,” Falcon replied, looking a little embarrassed.
Ross perked up as he looked at Falcon. “You’d be interested in coaching?”
“Eventually, when I retire.”
“Wait a minute,” Cates drawled as she studied us all properly this time. “You’re Tye Michaelson and play for the Blackhawks.And you’re Harley Michaelson and play for the Cubs, and she’s Thomasina Mae Blake.”
“Please don’t go blurting that around town. Mina is a very shy and private person,” Hunter stated, stepping in front of Mina. The old ladies crowded around protectively, and Cates studied them.
“Ain’t gonna lie, there’ll be some fangirling. And the local teens will probably wish to hang around as you’ll be idols to them,” Ross declared, looking excited. “A baseball player, ice hockey player, and an Olympic swimmer, Martial Arts gold medallist and a Hollywood Star.”
“We haven’t retired yet. We’ve got some good years left, but we want to prepare for when we do,” Ice replied.
“Would you sign autographs?” Ross asked.
“Yeah, but nobody jumps Mina. She might organise a book signing or something, but approaching her in the street is a no-go,” Harley stated.
“That’s fair enough. I think the entire world knows what happened. Sorry to bring that up,” Cates said, and, in her defence, she did look apologetic.
“It’s fine. Everyone’s picked my life apart now and come up with their own ideas. I’m pretty secure with Hunter and my family,” Mina replied.
Cates and Ross both tipped their heads in acknowledgement.
“We’ll do our best to keep prying eyes away. And we’ll put a word out. We have a book club, and they maintain a tight grip on the community. A quiet word will ensure people respect their distance from Mina,” Eliana said.
“That would be appreciated,” Hunter inclined his head in agreement.
“Let’s go look at these properties,” Ross suggested and began leading the way down the street. Locals looked, and many smiled, which reassured me.
Motorbike clubs commonly got a bad rep. Sure, there were shit ones, but not all of us lived like that fuckin TV programme. Programmes like those made people wary; we were often pre-judged, and everyone expected criminal enterprises to spring up.
“This was the former arts and crafts store. It’s for sale, and it comes with the fixtures. The previous owner died and left it to the town as there was no one to inherit,” Ross said, opening the door.
Grace pushed in and smiled as she looked around. “The space is great, perfect for what I need. Are there two levels?” she asked, spotting some stairs.
“Yes. This was a popular store; it was a shame when it shut down, but nobody cared to buy it,” Ross answered her, appearing hopeful.
“I’m interested,” Grace said ten minutes later after checking it over. She glanced at me, and I nodded. If Grace wanted this, then we’d purchase it, but we wouldn’t be gouged on it.
“Who’s the estate agent for this?” I asked.
“That’s Dobsons. I got the keys from them this morning, as Jana had some house showings. Jana’s okay for you guys to look around and said you can speak to her when you’re ready.”
“She’s my sister,” Cates stated, and we nodded in acknowledgement.
“That’s good of her to give you the keys,” Rosie stated.
“We work on trust here,” Ross replied as he locked the store up.
???
