Pride rushed through me; it was different hearing those words from Apache than Drake. Drake’s role was to encourage; Apache’s wasn’t. Apache saying that meant a lot.
I nodded happily. Maybe I could do this after all.
Falcon
“Hey, you’re one of those bikers, aren’t you?” a man called as I headed towards the café in town we’d become fond of.
“Yeah? Problem?” I said, stopping and turning.
“No. But I was wondering if you’re hiring?” I checked the guy over. He was a little older than me, but not by much.
“For?”
“I heard you’re setting up some businesses; I used to work in the scrap yard before Wembley did a bunk and left us all hanging. If you guys are reopening it, I wouldn’t mind applying again,” he said.
“I ain’t in charge of that, but I’ll give you the number of the brother running it. His name is Texas. Give him a call,” I replied and sent Texas a text before giving the guy his digits.
“Thanks, dude.” The man looked uncertain before he leaned forward. “Keep an eye on Timmons. He’s not happy and is making a lot of noise. Nobody’s paying much attention considering how he’s ripped half the town off, but there’s always one or two,” he warned in a low voice.
“Thanks. Call Texas about that job. What’s your name?” I asked.
“Rio.”
“Take my number, too. If anything happens and you need help, call,” I ordered, handing him my card. I kept some on me now with a number to a second phone, so my personal line stayed just that. But as VP, I felt I needed to be available to the town.
“Thanks, man. See ya around,” he said and walked away.
I nodded before heading into the diner and sent Calamity a text giving him Rio’s warning. After the vandalism, it wouldn’t hurt to monitor Timmons.
Chapter Six.
Drake – Two months later
Istared out the window as mixed emotions tore through me. Then, Phoe opened the door and strutted in. She curled up in my lap, and without thought, I wrapped my arms around her.
“You have to let them go,” she whispered.
“After today, it won’t be my job to protect them,” I replied.
“Nope. But Calamity is more than capable; he’s strong and fair; he has this, Drake.” She stroked my arm softly, and I knew she was right.
But I said, “I want to gather them all back up and say this is a mistake. They need to stretch their wings, though.”
“And they will bloom, Drake. Believe in your decision and in Calamity.”
“Phoe, I do trust Calamity, but I have mixed feelings. I’m sad, nervous, and confident. I’m torn between warring emotions. Rage had grown beyond what any of us ever saw, and this won’t be the last time we create another chapter. I’ll suffer this again,” I admitted.
“Yes, you will. But Rage will grow into something beautiful. Be happy because I’m sure your dad is, and he’ll be looking down on you,” Phoe replied.
“You think so?”
“Drake, I know so. How could Arrow not be proud of you?” she asked, and I shrugged. Did Da ever worry about this happening? I wondered how he felt, if he had considered this. One day, I’d get to ask him.
Penny
I hugged Sin tightly as a few tears streaked down her face.
“I’m going to miss you,” she whispered. Choking back my own tears, I patted her back and released her.
