Page 36 of Falcon

I headed to the clubhouse still riled from the confrontation with Skye and also pissed at what Myka had told me. Cates had left her to rest, and my conversation with Myka had been postponed as she swiftly fell asleep. My phone pinged, and I glanced down as I entered and paused. Steel stood on a platform holding two gold and two silver medals. That fucker! Those should have been mine.

The following few photos showed Nova, four golds and a silver. A smile crossed my lips as the next one was a video. Nova was absolutely kicking the shit out of Sue-Ellen. I only remembered her faintly, but I recognised Nova’s iron control. Nova thoroughly outclassed Sue-Ellen.

‘There’s a story here.’ Steel sent with the message.

Yeah, there was. That cunt had broken my twin’s heart. Steel forwarded several other videos, and my smile brightened. In every event, Nova destroyed her. Nova had fought her in submission holds that hadn’t even lasted a minute. For ground fighting, Nova controlled it clearly, and in hand-to-hand combat, the bitch was outmanoeuvred each time. And in the weapon display, it was obvious who was more skilled.

Nova’s final medal would have been for best competitor of the tournament. If I hadn’t known what she’d done to Nova, I would have felt sorry for her. Steel sent another text.

‘They were bragging this twat up as Nova’s main competition. I’ve told the ref they all need drug testing.’

I laughed. Trust Steel to say something like that.

‘How is she?’

‘Kicking ass and taking names.’ Steel replied instantly.

‘Any idea who the asshole is?’

‘No. But I beat the crap out of everyone just in case it was him.’ Steel said with a wink.

‘Keep digging, brother. I want a name, and Nova won’t give me one.’

‘Everyone’s pretty tight-lipped, but I’ve noticed some animosity towards Nova. There’s more than just getting her heartbroken here.’

‘Dig,’ I ordered.

While I was part of the community, I split my time between the swimming world. I recognised people in Nova’s world, but Steel had more contacts. He would find out what happened.

I entered the clubhouse and was grabbed by Rosie. “Jayes is waiting for you. We’ve kept him distracted, but he’s missed you.”

“Thanks, Rosie,” I replied and headed for the corner. Jayes sat quietly and smiled uncertainly as I approached.

“Hey, little man. Did you have fun painting?”

“Yes, I made several pictures. Miss Penny said I could keep them for Mommy.”

“Yup. Are they drying?”

Jayes nodded and leaned forward. “Can I have some water, please?”

“Yeah, haven’t you had one?”

Jayes shook his head, and guilt kicked in. “Why not, dude?” Before he could answer, I shouted at Matteo. “Hey prospect, get a drink and snack for Jayes.”

Matteo changed direction and headed to the kitchen.

“How long am I staying here, Mr Falcon?” Jayes asked.

“Falcon, Jayes, drop the mister. Until your mom is better. She wasn’t well, and she’s in hospital healing now. She’ll be out soon. It won’t be long until you can see her.”

“Is Daddy coming home?” Jayes whispered.

I wanted to say no. But I’d no clue if Myka was strong enough to refuse Dawson. Although after what he and his brothers put her through, if Myka took him back, she was a fool. She had support around her; she just had to utilise it.

“Hey!” Matteo said, placing a plate and cup in front of Jayes. Thank God for prospects! Matteo had saved me an awkward answer.

“Calamity is opening the pool for the kids later this evening if Jayes wants to join them,” Matteo suggested.