James Lake Jr Novels & Stories

“Anyway, I leave Monday.” My hand froze mid-sip. “What?” I asked, voice flat, the rim of my coffee cup hovering an inch from my lips. James blinked, fry halfway to his mouth. “I said I’m leaving. Monday. For Chicago.” I stared at him. For a second, the diner noise blurred into static. “Since when?” I asked slowly. He shrugged, reaching for the ketchup. “Got the offer a couple weeks ago. Figured it wouldn’t happen, but then the call came through. Internship with one of the sports media companies there. Kinda wild.”

“But Master Lee, Jade Lake is next to Jade Mountain, and it’s private property owned by the top three families. The Jade Estate is right next to the lake. Should I recommend another place?” Lightning Tiger put his hand up and swore, “I swear the place is as good as Jade Lake…” “That won’t be necessary.” Kaze stopped him. "I have decided to bury James' cenotaph at Jade Lake. My brother had gone through a lot in his life and he now deserves to rest in peace in the best place.”

he spat, but Liam's expression remained sober, unsettling my heart. “What are you saying? Because I did none of those things! I only came here to find…” “I don’t need your explanation. You will certainly give that once you get there,” James asserted, turning to face the car that had just stopped in front of the building. “That scar!” Liam exclaimed, his gaze fixed on James’s elbow. “James Smith Jr.,” he blurted out immediately, and James turned to face him, completely stunned at hearing his full name. I was equally shocked; his reaction confirmed that Liam had called the name correctly.