by Jade Kuzma
“That’s just how it is. Don’t worry. You get used to it eventually.”
“Maybe you do. I don’t plan on sticking around long enough to get used to it.”
“I see. Business, huh?”
“Business.”
“Business business or business business?”
I laughed at the way she made quotes with her fingers. I didn’t bother answering her. Gina might’ve been the most trustworthy person I met in Ivory but I knew I had to keep this to myself.
“In any case, just figured I’d treat you to some good ol’ Ivory hospitality.”
She put a plate in front of me and a fork down next to it.
“Tiramisu,” I said.
“Hey! Check you out.”
“There was this place up in the city. Italian… They had the best tiramisu.”
“Hopefully this doesn’t disappoint. It’s the specialty here at Amy’s.”
Gina gave me a wink before heading back behind the counter to tend with the line of people moving in and out. I ate a piece of the tiramisu.
“Wow… That’s good…”
While I enjoyed the dessert, I searched through my phone. The only thing there was the phone call I made to myself from Micah’s phone.
Micah…
I remembered the night I spent with him. Even with more beers in my system than I was used to, everything was as clear as day. That rugged face of his. The charming smile. The scent of leather. The wind against my face while we rode through the streets. Going down on him in a back alley. His strong grip on my waist while he took me from behind.
Focus…
I shook away the thoughts and sighed. I couldn’t let anything distract me. Not Micah. Not this dessert. Not the warm weather or all of the bikers in the streets. But without any information from Cain, I was stuck. Somebody at Finn’s knew something. The problem was trying to single one of them out.
That’s when I realized Micah was probably my best bet.
“Here goes nothing…”
I was just about to call him when the door to the bakery opened up behind me. I turned my head and had to blink my eyes to make sure I was seeing things right.
“What…”
It was him. Micah stood there. Dirty denim jeans. Leather kutte with the Cobra logo emblazoned on it. That same inexplicably rugged appeal that made him stick out in a crowd. Even after a morning to sleep it off, he still looked the same as ever.
It didn’t take him more than a second to spot me. He stared at me like he was just as confused I was shit.
“Shit…”
He sauntered over to me like he was trying to hide his smile.
“Well… Look who it is.”
“So we meet again…”
“You still remember me?”
“I had a few beers. I wasn’t drunk or anything.”
“Good. I wouldn’t wanna take advantage of you.”
He took a seat in front of me.
“I didn’t invite you to sit at my table,” I said.
“I know. But it’s okay because you were about to.”
Bastard. This isn’t what you think it is.
He was doing his best to try and flirt with me but I was too distracted.
“The tiramisu here is great, isn’t it?” he asked.
“It’s good. Is that why you’re here?”
“I usually get a coffee and a donut. Club sent me on a run to pick some shit up though.”
“Well, aren’t you a nice little errand boy.”
“Prospect isn’t around. Not above doing some honest work for the club.”
“If you say so…”
He leaned back in his seat and crossed his arms. He kept staring at me, a satisfied little smirk on his lips. Suddenly, his whole body started to shake from laughter.
“What?” I said with a shrug. “What is it?”
“What’s your deal, Audrey? One night you’re giving me your number. The next you’re acting like you don’t want me sitting in front of you. I… I can’t figure you out.”
“Figuring someone out is never easy. I don’t see why I would be any different.”
“Good point. I get it. If you’re here in Ivory on vacation, I’ll give you your space. I’m not that kinda guy who’s desperate for attention.”
“Yeah…”
I poked at my dessert with my fork.
What choice do I have?
I shook my head and sighed, knowing that Micah was still my best option.
“It’s… It’s personal—”
“I get it, Audrey. You don’t have to tell me anything.”
“I know. But the truth is… I do need some help. I don’t know anybody in this town.”
“Maybe there’s something I can help you with. Or at least, I can point you in the right direction.”
“You already know I went to Cain and the Devils for help. He said it’d be some time before I got the information I was looking for.”
“And what kind of information is it you’re looking for?”
“I’m… I’m looking for someone.”
“Right…” he said with a nod. “I’m guessing you’re not gonna tell me who this someone is. That’s fine. Truth is, Cain is probably the best man for the job. Ever since the Devils came back to town, they’ve always been up to some shit. They know all of the right people. If you need information on someone, Cain is the man to get it for you.”
“So, I should trust him?”
“I didn’t say that. I could never completely trust a man who calls himself Venom. But from what I know about him, him and his club play it straight with civilians. You don’t look like the type to get involved in some shit, even with that piece you’re carrying.”
Micah stared at me like he was trying to read my thoughts. I didn’t pay attention to him and took another bite of my tiramisu.
“I don’t mind waiting for Cain,” I said. “It’s just frustrating without having anything better to do in this town.”
“I’ve got an idea for you.”
“Sorry. Ivory seems like a nice town but I’m not interested in sight-seeing.”
“Sounds like fun. But that’s not what was on my mind. I know you can’t tell me what you’re up to, but I can tell you what I’m doing.”
“You mean you’re not just trying to flirt with me for another blowjob?”
I said it loud enough to get the attention from a few people waiting in line but I didn’t care. Micah didn’t seem to care either, just smirking for a second then shaking his head.
“Actually, I’m working on something,” he said.
“Sounds kinda serious.”
“It is. My neighbor Mrs. Solomon… her son died recently.”
“I’m… I’m sorry.”
“Me, too. They found his body on the riverbank. People don’t show up on the riverbank. Not unless some shit went down. I’m trying to find out who’s responsible for what happened to him.”
“Isn’t that what the cops are for?”
“That’s not how things work around here in Ivory. Sheriff Sutton and the crew only work hard enough if the shit is obvious. Around here, the MCs are the law.”
“Still, why are you already assuming it was foul play? Maybe he went for a swim and drowned. But I’m guessing things like that don’t happen around Ivory. I sure picked a hell of a town to do my business in…”
“That’s the only kind of business to do here in Ivory.”
Another bite of my tiramisu was good but enough to distract me.
“I woke up earlier probably than I should have. This is good. So is the coffee. But I still don’t see why you’re telling me what you’re up to.”
“You said you’ve got nothing better to do. Maybe this’ll give you a chance to do something besides sit around and wait for Cain to get you the information you’re looking for.”
He stayed leaning back in his seat, nonchalantly crossing his arms while he eyeballed me.
This is dumb.
I knew better than to get involved with a man like Micah. The tattoos. The bike. The MC. The apparent murder he was investigating. I had every reason to not go along with this but all reason was going out the window.
“All right,” I sighed. “I’ll go along with you.”
“What was that?”
“What was what?”
“You sighed like you don’t wanna do it.”
“I do. I just… I’m not sure it’s a good idea.”
“Coming to Ivory in the first place wasn’t a good idea.”
“Fair enough.”
“We don’t have to leave right now. I know how good that is.”
“Gina gave me a free piece. A little Ivory hospitality. Want some?”
I stuck my fork out at him, an eyebrow arched.
“If you think I’m gonna let you feed me in front of a crowd of people, you don’t know me very well. Then again, after last night, you’d think we’d know each other.”
“Just because that happened doesn’t mean it has to be awkward between us.”
I turned my fork around and shoved it into my mouth. The surprised look on Micah’s face was enough to make me crack a smile.
“Take your time,” he said as he got up. “I’m gonna get some shit done today. Need all the sugar and caffeine I can get.”
“I’ll be right here.”
Micah got in line with the rest of the folks, giving me a moment to myself.
He seemed honest enough. I didn’t have any reason to turn him away. But I knew better than to let myself get too attached. Spending time around Micah was just wasting time until I had to do what I had to do. I couldn’t let myself get distracted. Not even by a man like him.
Chapter 7
MICAH
Mrs. Solomon was a middle-aged woman who was as sweet as you could get. Whenever I saw her, there was always a friendly smile on her face. When she was inviting me over for a cup of tea, she was telling me to stop by if I ever needed someone to talk to. She had a life of her own. A steady job at the post office helped her make ends meet. But she always went out of her way to make sure to at least say hello when I walked by her apartment.
I sat on her with Audrey right next to me. Mrs. Solomon’s living room wasn’t anything out of the ordinary but it felt different knowing that her son was gone.
I watched as she poured out a glass of iced tea for Audrey.
“You don’t need to,” Audrey said. “Really. I’m fine.”
“Oh, trust me. You’ll love this. It’ll be a good cure for that hangover of yours?”
“Hangover?” Audrey exclaimed. “What… I…”
She turned toward me. I didn’t bother trying to hold back my laughter. When I did, Audrey sighed a deep breath and shrugged.
“Go on,” Mrs. Solomon said. “You’ll like it.”
“Hopped up on caffeine and sugar…” Audrey muttered to herself before taking a sip. “What’s a little more?”
“How are you doing, Mrs. Solomon?” I asked.
The older woman took a seat down in front of me like she’d had a long day. She had a slight frown on her face. There were some bags under her eyes but all things considered, she could’ve looked a lot worse.
She shifted her eyes toward the ground and shook her head.
“Don’t you worry about me now, Micah. I’m doing just fine. Headed back to work just the other day. It’s nice to get my mind off things a little bit.”
“Sometimes we need something to focus on to forget. Work is good that way.”
“It is. How are you doing there?”
“I’m doing all right at the clubhouse. Cleaning tables. Serving drinks.”
“There’s a spot at the post office if you’re interested. That why you’re here?”
“I appreciate it. Actually, I wanted to talk to you about Jamie…”
“Jamie? What’s this about now?”
“I’m just… I’m trying to figure out what happened to him.”
“Oh, Micah…”
She reached out and put her hand on top of mine. The smile on her lips was proud. Deep down, I knew she was trying her best to hold back her emotions.
“…That’s not something you need to concern yourself with. I spoke to Sheriff Sutton and a full investigation is underway. I wouldn’t put past my son just being careless.”
“That’s a possibility. But if something did happen to him, it’s better to figure it out sooner than later.”
Audrey stayed quiet next to me, just sipping on her tea and observing us. I didn’t know much about her but I knew I didn’t have anything to worry about from her.
“I know about you,” Mrs. Solomon said. “You’re a Cobra. Don’t think I’ve lived in Ivory and haven’t figured out what all you clubs are all about. Reapers. Cobras. Now we’ve got Devils running around again. You’re always up to something.”
“I can’t speak for the Reapers or the Devils but the Cobras are here for Ivory. We’re a part of this community. And if you know that, you know we’re willing to do whatever it takes to help you out. I am, anyway.”
“I appreciate it, Micah. I really do. But my son had his troubles. He’s in a better place now. I’d like to think he’s at peace.”
“He is at peace.”
Audrey got up from her seat and looked at the picture resting over the fireplace.
“Is this him?” she asked.
“That’s him… My little baby. Such a cute smile. Whenever I saw him, he reminded me so much of his father.”
“His father…”
“Before you ask, Harold isn’t around anymore either. With Jamie gone, it’s just… It’s just me.”
Mrs. Solomon squeezed my hand in hers. The pain in her eyes had never been so obvious.
“What do you know about your son?” I asked. “You said he was having trouble. Do you know what kind of trouble?”
“Oh, I don’t know. I just know he was always asking me for money. I gave it to him. How could I not? He was my baby. Just to see the smile on his face made it worth it.”
“What about the last time you saw him? Do you remember what happened?”
“It wasn’t anything different from the other times. He asked me for some money then gave me a hug and a kiss on the cheek. He was always staying out late. I never worried about him because he knew how to take care of himself. Didn’t think much of it when he went missing for a few days. Probably hanging out with those friends of his. But then I got the call and… And they told me—”
“It’s all right,” I said.
I could see all of the emotion building up inside of her. I didn’t wanna push her but I knew I needed more information.
“Do you know who his friends were?” she asked.
“Jamie never mentioned them by name. He never had anybody over. Jamie was a sweet boy. He knew everybody else in the building would hear if he started any kind of a ruckus.”
“Yeah… Your apartment was always quiet. Mrs. Solomon, do you mind if I check your son’s room? I promise I won’t take anything.”
“That’s fine. But the police already searched it. Not much to look at.”
“Maybe there’s something they missed.”
“I don’t see the harm in that.”
I excused myself down the hall and stepped into Jamie’s room with Audrey right behind me. The place looked like the room of a normal teenager, even though he was already in his 20s. Posters on the walls. A television off to one side. I figured his bed was made because his mother did it.
I didn’t notice anything out of the ordinary but when I looked at Audrey, there was a strange look on her face. Her eyes were narrowed like something was wrong.
“You all right?” I said.
“You smell that?”
“Smells like some clothes that just got out of the wash.”
“Not that. Something else.”
She walked over to the dresser and stared at it. I raised an eyebrow at her when she ran her index finger over it and sniffed
it.
“Opioids,” she said.
“What?”
“Drugs. I… I don’t know what exactly but that’s the smell. Some residue. Probably powder from pills he crushed and sniffed.”
Audrey seemed sure of herself but all I could do was shake my head in confusion.
“Wait a second, you can smell that?”
“It’s strong. You can’t smell it?”
“No, I can’t smell it! You heard what Mrs. Solomon said. The police went over this room. Are you telling me they missed that?”
“Maybe they did. Maybe they didn’t. Maybe this dresser was from someone else. All I know is that somebody used drugs on this thing.”
Audrey kept staring at me. She was always so serious, so it was hard to tell if she was joking or not.
“All right,” I said with a shrug. “Jamie was using drugs.”
“It doesn’t matter though. Not if we don’t know who his friends are.”
“Damn…”
Audrey started looking around the room, checking underneath the bed and searching his drawers. I moved over to the closet and started digging into the pockets of some jeans hanging.
What is that?
I wrapped my fingers around something and pulled it out.
“You find something?” she said.
“Nah… It’s just a matchbook. From the Grindhouse. Some bar…”
Audrey put her hands on her hips and stared at me.
“That means Jamie was at this Grindhouse,” she said. “There’s your lead.”
“Yeah…”
“You don’t seem too enthusiastic about it.”
I rotated the matchbook between my fingertips.
Looks like I don’t have a choice.
“It’s a long story,” I said. “I… I don’t know if it’s such a good idea to be heading to the Grindhouse.”
“You scared?”
“Terrified,” I said as I rolled my eyes.
Audrey walked over to me. She still had such a confidence about her even though she was so much shorter than me.
“Mrs. Solomon seems like a sweet woman,” she said.
“She is. To be honest, I wouldn’t have thought twice about Jamie if his mother wasn’t as kind as she was.”
“You’ll be helping her out if you check out the Grindhouse.”