Page 6 of Cage's Ruin

“Hawk hasn’t taken ya mom’s death well and Jacob disappeared at the same time you went in.”

“And no one went looking for him!” I was automatically concerned about my brother. “You have eyes everywhere, why couldn’t you track him down?”

“Because when a man has lost purpose, he sure as fuck can disappear and that was what happened. I’ve been trying to keep shit together here.”

“So the club is more important than my family?” The judgement in my voice was clear.

“I’m not their babysitter Autumn.” His words had a cruel twist to them. “You’re forgetting you didn’t just shut me out, you shut them out as well. Not to mention,” And he got up, throwing the blankets back. “You didn’t let anyone see you. I understand it but fuck it frustrated me. I had to get updates from Lydia.”

What did he want me to say? My eyes ran over his tattooed body, which was more decorated now with even more tattoos. I finally realized what had changed about him while I was inside.

It wasn’t just his physical appearance. His hair being a bit longer, his muscles being that little bit more defined. But also, as I looked into his jet black eyes now—I knew a part of him had been locked up with me, inside.

I guess when it came down to it, a part of us died. That part that loved each other, that would do anything for each other, that part died inside. Sure we still had feelings for each other, but the future we had planned—wasn’t there anymore.

I walked towards him, stopping just in front of him. My hand going to his cheek. “I’m sorry.” I now saw all the pain I had caused him. But even though I was seeing it. I didn’t know what else to say apart from sorry.

His lips brushed mine. “I let you down Autumn. I told you I would take the fall for those steroids and I couldn’t do it. You shouldn’t have gotten caught up in that side of the lifestyle.”

I wanted to argue. I wanted to point out that it was my failed business. But instead I remained quiet. And that quietness stayed because I knew then, that Cage was never going to accept the business I was about to start up. Nor would he accept what I was willing to risk, to be a kingpin in the drug world.

6

Autumn

When life gives you two options, one option is always safe and the other is always riskier. I knew that. Here I was with a decision to make. Do I go straight by being a biker’s old lady. That was if Cage and I stayed together. Or do I risk everything and take a gamble on the knowledge Lydia had given me, as well as the opportunity.

I was chain smoking out the front of Hawk’s house. I was determined to get my family back together. Starting with, getting my father back at the club.

It was pouring outside, and the rain whipped my body as I stepped out in it. Breaking into a run towards the family house. I couldn’t tell anyone how many memories this house held to me.

All with my mom and Hawk.

Mom.

My thoughts twisted bitterly at the thought. I knocked on the door and knowing he wasn’t about to answer, I opened it—going in.

“Dad?” I sung out, and memories of playing in this hall at a younger age flooded my body. As I walked up it. Memories flashed through my mind as I rounded the corner and walked into the lounge. I saw my father, passed out on the couch. Beer cans shattered the room and I knew my choice of ending my mother’s life as well as her betraying us—had sent him into this state.

I lowered to my knees, seeing the track marks up his arms. He was using. He needed help. How many times had he put my life before his? I knew rehab was the only option. We didn’t have that sort of money, but I could cook up that sort of money.

I frowned. He would do it for me. I need the money. Hawk needs to get clean. I then began to clean up the house knowing we were in for a difficult conversation when he came to.

Rehab was the only option.

I threw a few empty beer cans in the recycling bin. And pulled out my phone. Scrolling through to the number that would change my life if I dialed it. My finger hovered over it. If I called this connection, it was a life changing decision. If I didn’t, and I glanced back into the lounge room, I could lose both parents. I couldn’t lose my dad. So I hit the number.

I couldn’t lose Hawk. He needed rehab and I knew the club wouldn’t cover it. So I dialed the number—I didn’t even think that I was about to cook more of the same product as was the reason Hawk was in this state to begin with.

CAGE

With Hawk out of the picture, the club was left on my shoulders alone. It wasn’t exactly new that Hawk had stepped away on his bender. However—now he was in rehab, he wasn’t coming back any time soon.

My mind went to Autumn, she had been distant since she forced Hawk into rehab. Even though I was in church, surrounded by members, all of which wanted my attention. My attention was taken to Autumn.

How she was coping with Hawk’s treatment. He had frozen her out. Wouldn’t let her visit. I knew she wasn’t taking it well. But fucked if I could get a hold of her. I was beginning to think she was battling a demon that I didn’t know about—her depression must be back. It had to be.

I frowned. How do I reach someone that wants to be unreachable? She kept telling me she was looking for Jacob. It made sense. But it wasn’t sitting right with me.

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