Chapter 30
So It Begins
Uri
“Bloody hell,” I breathe after taking in a sharp inhale.
“Make it stop,” Val murmurs into my chest.
My phone has awakened us as it buzzes on the nightstand with a text. As my head begins to clear, last night comes back to me. With a groan, I reach for the device to ensure I’m not needed in reference to that situation.
Sammy: I am on my way.
A smile comes to my lips. I guess LaSalle has finally gotten through to him about texting beforehand. To be honest, I’ve gotten used to finding him in my office.
It’s amusing to find him dressed in a suit as he waits for my arrival. While I see a ton of LaSalle in his son, I have noticed that Sammy has picked up on a few of my mannerisms.
Sim has pointed out that she believes he mimics all of us in some way. Taking a deep breath, I then slip from beneath my wife. Slowly, I get up and throw my legs over the side of the bed.
“I thought we were sleeping in,” Val grumbles.
“We were. You still can. Sammy is on his way.”
“Shouldn’t he be passed out from an adrenaline high or something?”
I chuckle. “I don’t think it works like that for him?”
“If that were our boys, they probably would have crashed for a week. He needs to have a talk with our kids. Nori had way too much energy all day the other day, then he passed out in the movie room.
“I found him the next morning, still in the same spot. It took me half an hour to wake him up. I believe Inzo at least made it to his bed, but he rolled into the kitchen the same time Nori did.”
“At least they weren’t fighting. I can deal with all their other antics, but the fighting is driving me insane.”
Val pops her head up to look at the time. “Ugh, I’m going back to sleep. That was more excitement than I was expecting. I’m so proud of him, but taking him to celebrate … ugh, all that food, I’m exhausted thinking about it.”
“Sleep, love. I’ll handle the kids.”
I stand and head into the bathroom with a smile on my face. My young mate did well. I knew he had it in him, but last night was a sight to see.
I’ll admit, as a father, it was hard to watch, but as Sammy’s mentor, I couldn’t have been prouder.
What I was most taken aback by was seeing how things look and feel in his head.
So much was going on while we rode to get to him.
I understood that watching the attack on Sammy through the helmets was a simulation of his visions.
Trying to focus on that and the road ahead last night was near impossible, yet Sammy does it every day. I wish I knew how to make it easier for him. However, I think that was my young mate’s point.
We worry too much about wanting to change the world for him. A world he’s already adapting to in his own way. He proved to us all that he has this under control.
I, for one, heard him loud and clear. I believe LaSalle has as well. Tasha, on the other hand, looked like she didn’t know if she wanted to praise him or coddle him and keep him locked away for the rest of his life. I believe she will come to accept what we have.
Once showered and dressed, I head to my office and find Sammy there waiting for me. As always, he’s in a suit and tie. I grin and shake my head. It dawns on me that lately he has been matching the suit and tie I will wear for the day.
Does he see that too?
I chuckle to myself. “Good morning, mate.”
“Good morning, Uncle Uri. I have watched the recording of last night. There are things I would like to work on. I like the new handles and fits of the grips Miss Lovie has designed for me, but I feel like I wasn’t as quick and efficient as I could have been.”
“When in the heat of the moment, you can never be perfect. Your performance was stellar, Sammy.”
“Everyone has room for improvement.”
I nod. “Leave the recording with me. I will take a look. However, this morning I want you to tell me everything you know about those men.”
“I know about Uncle Misha’s secret. This all will connect. I still don’t have a location for the lady, but I know how to draw her out.
“He can’t avoid the storm he’s been trying to hold off. The more he tries, the more I’m going to get involved. She’s not going to like it when she finds out what happened last night.
“I was supposed to die and then she had plans for Mishutka Mishyenka. A son from all the others would be next. We are paying for her losses. That’s what has changed.
“You all came across a man in a blue shirt some time ago, before my first vision of her return. He is her reason. She will use Misha’s secret to try to hurt him and us. That is all I should tell you for now,” he says.
“Misha should know this.”
Sammy looks me in the eyes, and something comes across his expression that gives me pause. I tilt my head as I study him closely. I get the feeling we are all underestimating this child.
“He will. I will tell him. I am not done with my plans.
“This is why I came to work on my weaknesses. I have to be ready. Her time is coming.”
I take the seat next to him. “Show me the recording. We will make the adjustments.”
“Thank you, Uncle Uri.”
“No problem, mate. You will be ready. I will make sure of it.”