Page 81 of The Mute and the Menace (The Grove 1)

“Nothin’ else to do in this shit town.” I mumble, tossing my controller to the side and laying back. The days of riding bikes are over, and the girls are all the same here in The Grove. There’s nothing to do and shit gets boring quick.

I stand up to take a piss when Easton’s phone starts ringing. It seems like every day is blending into the next lately. It’s only the beginning of summer, and it’s already lame. I wish there was something else to do. Somewhere to go, anything, really.

On my way back to the living room, I hear Easton finishing up a call and hang up.

“What was that about?” Logan says.

“My dad wants to see us.” He’s frowning down at his phone like it can answer the million questions he has.

“All of us?” Logan asks.

My face screws up in confusion.What? Why?

“Yeah, I don’t know. He said we need to be there now, though.” He stands up and grabs his keys. “Let’s go.”

We all silently follow Easton out to his new truck. He’s the first of us to get his license. His dad took him through the course right when he turned fifteen and he took his test on his sixteenth birthday. When he got back, his dad gave him a truck.

Logan’s dad is finally taking him through the courses now. His dad won’t give him a vehicle though. He told Logan that he will have to save up and buy his own car.

My dad? I haven’t even asked him. I know he’ll just get pissed at me, probably lay one on me just for asking him in the first place. I’ll just wait, not like it’s needed right now, anyway. I’ll get it figured out eventually.

On our way to the warehouse, Logan rambles on the many reasons we might be going to the warehouse. We’ve been to The Pit, which is attached to the warehouse. Easton started fighting MMA this year, so we’ve been coming down her a couple times a week. I know that’s where my dad works, but I’ve never actually goneinsideof the warehouse.

Guess there’s a first time for everything.

We pull into the parking lot and Easton parks near the door. I light up a cigarette instantly. I have a feeling whatever is about to happen, it’s going to be a big deal.

Life changing.

“Hugo?” Easton says as we near the door. Hugo is Rich’s right-hand man. He’s usually only present for work related issues, not family matters. Which makes me think what we’re about to walk into is something about the business.

“How’s it going, boys?” Hugo says as he holds the door open for us. He’s a big fuck. His Spanish heritage makes his skin bronze, and he keeps his hair buzzed into a military cut. Almost always is he clad in a black tee, jeans, and his aviators. If I were to walk into his closet, I think I’d see a ton of the same outfit. Actually, I’m sure of it.

“What’s goin’ on, Hugo?” Logan says, walking up to Hugo and giving him a slap on the back.

“Not much, Logan. Not much.”

“Where’s my dad?” Easton says, his face still as confused as I’m feeling.

“They’re downstairs. I’ll bring you guys down.” I grab the door from Hugo and go in last. Tossing my cigarette, I exhale with a nervous sigh. I’ve never been to my dad’s work. Not once. We’ve never even discussed his job. So, that fact that I’m coming here, where he works,when he’s here, makes me want to shit my pants. Literally.

We walk through the halls that look similar to those of The Pit. People that I’ve never seen before walk through the halls, not paying us any mind. Stopping at a closed door, Hugo opens it with a loud creak. In front of us are steep, wooden stairs and cement walls lead to a darkened room below, only lit by the yellow glowing light above me.

“Head on down. They’re down there.” Hugo nods his head.

“Shit looks like a torture chamber.” Logan whispers, and Hugo gives to indication whether it’s true or not. Not a twitch of his lips or anything.

Easton heads down first, Logan following him and me last. Hugo closes the door behind me, and my heart starts racing.

What the fuck is going on?

Each creak and groan of the wood under our feet makes this feel like a bad omen. Like it’s telling us to turn back now or our lives are going to be changed forever.

For some reason, I feel like I don’t have a choice in the matter.

“Easton?” Rich’s voice booms from down the hall.

“Coming.” Easton says, looking at us over his shoulder with wide eyes.

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