Chapter 13
CHAPTER
THIRTEEN
LOOT
Looking at the school, I can’t help but grunt. I fucking hated school when I was a kid. It wasn’t for me. It wasn’t something that I thought would benefit me in any way whatsoever. But Cade isn’t me, and while he seems a bit nervous to start at a new school, he also seems excited.
“You ready for this?” I ask.
He hums, rocking back on his heels. He reaches for my hand, squeezing my fingers. “I’m ready.”
I’ve been allowed to register him for school here. Destinee still hasn’t been found by the police or social services. I haven’t had a chance to look for her yet myself. I will. I’ve just been focusing on Cade.
And that’s where my focus should be: on Cade.
It’s where it always should have been, and maybe I let myself get complacent when it came to her, when it came to the way she has been raising Cade.
I’ve been spending my time with him, but I haven’t been paying attention.
If I had, I would have realized just what she’s been up to.
I’ll find Destinee sooner or later. She’ll come looking for Cade when she doesn’t receive an automatic deposit of child support, probably next week. Which is fine by me. I hope she does come to me.
Cade and I have been busy the past few days. We went shopping, and I bought him all new clothes and shoes along with school stuff. He also had his first session with a counselor.
When he got home, he was drained. I don’t blame him. I can’t imagine talking about my shit childhood with someone for an hour, and I’m an adult. No doubt it took a lot out of him. There was no way in fuck I was going to try and get him set up at school the same day.
Which is why we’re here today on a Tuesday instead of Monday. “Then let’s go,” I mutter even though I’m not moving.
His hand drops from mine, and I tip my chin down, looking at him in time to watch him adjust the strap of his backpack. He clears his throat and takes one step forward. I can’t hide my smile. He is so much like me, ready to face whatever the fuck makes him nervous head-on.
Following behind him, I let him lead the way. Once we reach the front door, I open it and watch as he slips inside. He probably doesn’t even need me here, but I have to give the office all his paperwork and fill out a bunch of forms.
It doesn’t take me long to fill everything out. The social worker has already called, and his school in Henderson sent over all his files. It’s all going to be good. At least that’s what I tell myself over and over.
Sinking down onto my haunches, I look into Cade’s eyes. “You got a phone,” I say. “You call me if you need to. Whatever it is, I’m here.”
He smiles and jerks his head slightly. “I know, Dad.”
That breaks my heart. He does know, but not because I’ve been on top of my game, which is what breaks my heart. I should have done better for him. A teacher appears at the doorway and calls out his name.
Standing, I watch as he walks away without even looking back. He’s ready for whatever comes his way. I give it three days before he’s ruling this school and has every fucking person here, kid and teacher, eating out of the palm of his hand. I know he’s already got me right fucking there.
Always has.
Turning toward the front desk, I look at the woman sitting behind the counter.
They’ve been told not to let Destinee take Cade, but I want to make it perfectly fucking crystal clear that Destinee does not even look at Cade, let alone take him anywhere.
I don’t give a fuck if they share DNA or she comes telling some sob story.
“If Cade’s mother, Destinee, appears, she doesn’t even look at him,” I grind out.
The office lady smirks, and I watch as she leans over the counter. “I know who and what you are, Slade Voss. I’ll call you if that woman comes around here.”
I don’t ask how she knows me. It’s not like the Iron Flame MC is a secret, especially in Boulder City.
Dipping my chin slightly, I give a nod of approval.
Nothing else needs to be said. She understands what I want.
Turning around, I walk out of the school.
There’s plenty of security here, so I’m not worried about that.
But Destinee is Cade’s biological mother. She knows what to say and how to say it, especially to him. I don’t want him to deal with her, to feel guilty, or to think that he has a difficult decision to make.
It’s not Cade’s choice, and I don’t want him to think that it ever is. I know what it’s like to be told to choose at that age. It’s not anything I ever want Cade to feel. This is something his mother did, and the choice is mine. He will never see her again. Not if I have anything to say about it.