Chapter 41

Viper

Today is competition day. Well, day one of a two day competition. The first day is for the pairs. The second is going to be the solo skaters. Sabine’s rink is hosting the event. That has me on edge. We have all my available guys and everyone Casper could spare as security. The stalker is still out there and we are no closer to finding them. Although the consensus is that we are dealing with a woman. But that is it. They are careful in everything they do so we haven’t caught them yet. And it is pissing me off. I want this person caught and out of Sabine’s life.

But today is not the day for me to worry about that. That is for the other guys to handle. Today I am the supportive husband. And I get to see Sabine compete in front of me instead of videos. I haven’t seen much of Sabine today after breakfast. I kept myself busy working with Casper making sure security was in place and ready to go. We have a few prospects roaming the outside of the building and in various spots inside the arena. We have patched members around the wall of the rink itself and helped take tickets. We also have patches with Sabine and Nixon at all times unless Sabine is on the ice.

Casper and I walked around the rink doing some last minute checks before the competition got started. I was in awe at everything going on around me. There was an area set up close to the rink for the five judges to sit at a table that was set up for them. There was an announcers table set up on the opposite side of the rink from the judges. There were guys with portable cameras on their shoulder walking around as well as cameras mounted in all different directions around the rink.

We were heading to the staging area where the skaters were getting ready. I asked Casper “ Is it always like this?” “ You mean the cameras and stuff? Yes, always. I usually don’t see much of it because I’m back with Sabine before she goes on.” I see Sabine and Isaac off in the corner stretching as Nixon gives last minute instructions. I go to walk over to her when Casper stops me. “ Viper, I know you want to go over but you can’t. She needs to focus. You can talk to her between sets.” he says. As much as it pisses me off I understand.

Brick said Speed has some things she does before a race and no one can interfere so I figure this is the same. “ Uncle Viper?” I hear. I turn and see Jax and Merigold. “ Hey buddy.” I say as I pick him up. “ What are you doing here?” I asked. “ I’m part of the intermission show. I’m on the elite team.” he says as I put him down. That is when I notice he is in a pair of tight pants that look like jeans but feel more like cotton and shine when the light hits it. The top looks like a white tee-shirt and jean vest. “ Are you coming to watch me?” Jax asks.

“ Buddy, I wouldn’t miss it for the world.” I told him. I see skaters getting called to the ice but I’m not going out until Sabine is ready. “ Thanks Uncle Viper.” Jax said. Merigold hugs me and says “ We are up front. We will save you a spot to watch.” I tell her I’ll be there when Sabine is ready. I want to watch Jax but I need to be with Sabine. I’m torn. Maybe they will record it for me. Casper grabs my shoulder “ Watch your nephew. I have Sabine. She won’t notice you missing. Knowing her she will be watching her elite team before she gets ready for the long program.” He is right. I can be there for both of them.

Nixon says into the ear piece “ Skaters on the move.” That’s our cue to get moving. Rocket and Ref take the lead followed by Sabine, Issac and Nixon. Casper and I take the back. I look at their costumes a little confused. They are wearing charcoal gray bodysuits. I have seen the costumes the other skaters are wearing and some of Sabine’s past costumes. This one is bland and out of place. Something is off.

Sabine looks over her shoulder just before she gets on the ice and winks at me. I notice the rink is dark but for two spot lights. “ Welcome to the ice our resident solo champion and our host Pixie. And her partner for the night, our resident pairs champion Issac.” the announcer says. The arena erupts in cheers so loud it is almost deafening. I have only ever heard something like that when Lilly was on stage. And now they are doing it for my girl. I look around and I see hand painted signs that say ‘ We love Pixie.’ and ‘Team Issac.’

I hear the music play and their short program is being done to Mr. Roboto. I look at the ice and see they are wearing robot masks. And their costumes have lights on them. I listen to the announcer say “ Pixie is known for her flawless performances. This is her first time participating in a pair's performance but she shows she brings the same technique to it. Look at the execution on the side by side split jumps.”

They weren't kidding about them being flawless. The movements are in perfect sync with each other. Dancing in robotic moves while skating. I see them grab each other's shoulder just before the music changes to Counting Stars. They rip the jumpsuits and masks off. Underneath is another costume. A mint green glittering body suit for Sabine and a full suit in the same color for Issac. Issac picks Sabine up placing her on his shoulder skating backwards while Sabine claps, getting the crowd into the performance. I don’t stop myself, I clap along with them. I see Casper, Rocket, and even Ref doing the same.

“ A shocking change of events from Pixie. But Pixie does keep us on our toes. An incredible move with the opposite side by side back flips.” the other announcer says. They finish their performance with side by side sit spins. Sabine and Issac get off the ice and head to the side. “ Let’s see what the judges have to say.” they said. I look up at the screen everyone else is looking at. The first judge shows his card and gives them seventeen point five. The second judge gives fifteen point five. The third is a sixteen point five The fourth gives a sixteen point five. The fifth judge gives them a fourteen.


Sabine and Issac need a score of eighty to even place for the short program. And they did it. Sabine and Issac are hugging each other. While the rest of us are clapping. I’m so proud of her. “ While the skaters get ready for the long program we are going to be treated to a few short performances from Pixie’s elite skating team. These kids are the best of the kids that the rink teaches. Let’s welcome them out.” the announcer said.

I see four boys enter the rink including Jax and four girls of various ages. I see Sabine’s eyes glue to the rink. I turn and see Axel, Rowdy, Merigold Jace, Kassidy and Kadance watching as well. I watched my nephew ice dance with a girl about his age and couldn’t be more proud if it was my own son on the ice. All the kids were doing good but I only had eyes on Jax. When he lifted the girl above his head as if she was a feather I had to wipe happy tears from my eyes. I hear Axel and Rowdy shouting “ Yea. That's my boy.” Jace and the girls are yelling “ My brother is awesome.” Then I heard “ That is my nephew tearing up the ice.” I look over and see Tank, Lilly, Speed, Gretchen, Brick, Lug Nut and Ailee and all of their kids in the stands cheering Jax on. I’m so proud of my family coming together not just for Jax but Sabine.

“ Watch these kids folks. I believe we may be seeing the future of figure skating.” one announcer said. “ I have to say I thought I was used to seeing bikers showing up for Pixie but it looks like little Jax brought his own group in his cheering section.” the other one said, causing me to laugh. I see Sabine hug all the kids as they get off the ice and she follows them to the back. Merigold follows to help Jax change. They are staying to watch Sabine’s long performance. I’m nervous as hell about it. I have seen the practices. I can’t watch Sabine go into the wall again.