Page 44 of Mika's Heart

Before we start, I ask Bella for coffee. She gives Agent Jonas a curious look but doesn’t ask any questions.

I watch her walk into the kitchen and grab her cell phone. Pretty sure I know who she’s calling.

My hunch is proved correct when bikers start filtering into the cafe before she even returns with a fresh pot of coffee.

After getting to know these people over the last few weeks, it makes me feel safer knowing they are here for me.

Taking a few sips from my cup I begin. “I was born Kimberly Elizabeth Burns,” I tell him everything from discovering my fake birth certificate to finding my brother. It feels like it takes hours to give him all the details, but when I’m done a weight is lifted off my heart.

For the first time since I began my story, I look around. The bikers aren’t even pretending to eat; every one of them is listening to me. Bella discreetly wipes a tear from her eye.

Fiona, Mina and Lily aren’t hiding their tears. I never even saw them come in. That’s when it hits me; I have a real family now. A family I made.

Nobody says anything as Agent Jonas packs up his things. He shakes hands with Atka and I, promising to stay in contact, then stops at the table where Timber is sitting and says a few words before shaking his hand too, and leaving.

As soon as the door closes behind him I’m pulled from my chair into a circle of arms.

The women are hugging me and patting me on the back. They keep commenting on how strong and brave I am.

I don’t feel strong or brave but for the first time in my life, I feel whole.

Having everyone surrounding me is also making me feel a bit claustrophobic, so I make excuses to get away for a few minutes. I need to take a walk and clear my head.

I’ve been walking the trail at the park for about ten minutes when I feel the hair on the back of my neck stand up. It’s as if someone is watching me. Looking around I don’t see anybody, so I keep going.

Hearing footsteps approaching from behind, I speed up but I’m not fast enough.

A hand grabs my arm and spins me around. To my horror, the man who claimed to be my father Gerald Butler is standing there.

Quickly deciding not to tell him I know the truth, I’m at a loss for words.

“What are you doing here?” I blurt out.

“The better question, dear daughter, is what are you doing here?”

“I...I got a job.” I answer, it is partially the truth.

“You didn’t tell me or your mother, you were leaving.”

“You didn’t come to my graduation!” I shout back. “How long did it even take you to notice I was gone, huh?” I questioned.

Instead of answering he tells me, “Have your shit packed and ready to go home tomorrow morning. Meet me back here at 8 a.m. or I’ll take away all your reasons to stay. Starting with that boyfriend of yours.”

He starts to walk away but then turns back. “Oh, and if you tell anybody, I’ll make sure that little tattoo shop is dust before we leave.”

Arriving back at the apartment, I find Jan wrapped up like a burrito, sound asleep on my bed. Deciding its best if I act like nothing happened, I get ready for work.

Fiona and Lily are already prepping the shop, when I make my way downstairs. After the emotional morning, they seem to understand my need to not talk.

Just after 6 pm, Fiona’s phone rings. She only answers it because she doesn’t have a client in the chair. The look she gives me after hanging up sends chills down my spine.

“Mika, when was the last time you saw Atka?” She inquires.

“This morning at Bella's, why? I answer.

“He was supposed to have dinner with Austin and Cordy tonight. When he didn’t show up Austin tried calling him but he didn’t answer. Then he called Timber, who ran out to the cabin and Atka’s car is there but he’s not.”

“Oh, God!” I cry crumbling to the floor. “He took him!”

“Everybody out!” Fiona clears the shop. “Lily call tonight's appointments and tell them we need to reschedule. Mika pull yourself together and tell us everything!”

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