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Thirty Eight

"We are going down to Bronte today. Come meet us?" I texted Michael as Emma, Alex and I got ready for the day.

It was my brother's last day in Australia before flying home and we decided to spend the day on the beach and take it easy for a few hours before driving him to the airport.

"Nah, spend the day with your brother. I'll talk to you later," he replied.

Usually Michael would jump at the chance to spend time with me, especially at his favorite beach. It seemed a bit weird to me but I shrugged it off. I figured he was just letting me spend some time with my brother before he left. He knew Emma was going to be there though, right? I couldn't surf due to my broken collarbone, but that wouldn't stop me from enjoying the sand and sun.

As we walked across the sand, a familiar face made his way over.

"Hey Whip," I smiled. "Alex, you remember Ryan."

Whippet smiled and gave a quick wave to both Alex and Emma before pulling me to the side.

"Have you talked to Mick today?" He asked, voice low.

"Only briefly this morning. I asked if he wanted to come join us here but he declined. Why, what's up? Is he okay?"

I was growing increasingly alarmed. He seemed okay last night. What could have changed since then?

"He took off this morning. Something about going south for a bit. He switched some of his days around with the guys so he could be off for a few days in a row." Whippet told me with genuine concern in his voice.

"What? No, he was fine last night."

I wracked my brain to think of anything that happened last night. Glancing back at Emma and my brother, I was reminded of the conversation I found Alex having with Michael at the party. I stomped back over to Alex, unable to control my temper.

"What did you say to Mick last night?" I hissed through my teeth.