Total pages in book: 70
Estimated words: 67795 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 339(@200wpm)___ 271(@250wpm)___ 226(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 67795 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 339(@200wpm)___ 271(@250wpm)___ 226(@300wpm)
Nods go around the table, and once again, I eye each of my brothers carefully. Watching their reactions. I don’t like to think it could be an insider, one of us, but that’s the way life is sometimes.
For all the brotherhood and camaraderie in the service, there were guys I just couldn’t fucking trust. No matter what I did or what they did, good or bad, I just couldn’t trust them.
“You all hear that? Ace is giving us permission to go out and have a good time, but don’t forget your main objective. And be vigilant.”
“Intel is the top priority. If you have to get your dick wet to get some info, do it. Just don’t neglect what the MC needs just to get a piece of ass.”
Ace’s expression is serious. He’s stressed out, he’s pissed as hell, and he needs answers.
“Shades will replenish part of the money. Joaquin, we need a new safe. Go over to Sportsman’s and find one. Have it delivered ASAP.”
I give a short nod at Ace’s instructions. I know it means a trip to the last fucker I want to see right now. “On it.”
Coop frowns. “Where is this cash, and why is he going alone?”
“You don’t trust me?” I ask him, only half-joking.
“Of course, I do. But what if someone follows you? Takes you out? What if this person is compromised or has some fucking side deal with the Kings?”
Coop shakes his head, growls, and smacks a hand on the table. I know his worry stems from his pregnant fiancée, who got kidnapped by Hector and his men. Twice.
“I’m just saying this is the time to be more careful than usual.”
He's right, of course. But I know Ace, and his mind is already set on this course of action.
“I hear you, Coop, but Braden is already twisted up about helping the club clean our money. He does it because it benefits the church, but he doesn’t fucking like it, has moral disagreements with it or some shit.”
Coop nods. “So we have a reluctant preacher on the payroll?” He snorts. “What could possibly go wrong?”
I see Ace’s nostrils flare, and I stand up to prevent an argument that will sure as hell spiral out of control, stranding us in this room for another hour or more.
“Coop, you’re right, man. You are totally fucking right. Is that what you want to hear?”
“No, I want to know we’re not at risk of losing more fucking money.”
With a baby on the way, his priorities have shifted, and I get it.
But that doesn’t change anything. Ace is the Prez. His word is law.
“Man, we’ve been on the brink of war for months now, maybe years with Hector’s crew. Nothing is fucking guaranteed, and you know that.”
“Which is why I’m just asking us to be extra careful. The Kings have shown they have no fucking qualms coming onto our territory, into our fucking clubhouse, just to get at us. They’ve taken our women, killed an innocent, and stole our cash. We need to be careful.”
I smile and pat my chest. “I am mister fucking careful, man. I know what I’m doing. Trust me.”
Coop nods, but I can tell by the scowl on his face his opinion is the same.
“All right, then. I’ll go get some freshly cleaned money. Anybody else got any questions or objections?”
No one does.
“Just make sure you don’t give Braden any shit, Shades, yeah?”
I laugh. “Me? I’ll treat the man with all the respect he deserves.”
Which Ace knows, in my estimation, isn’t a whole fucking lot.
“I’m serious, Shades. He’s a preacher, and I know how you feel about that, but Braden’s little church is an important part of our business. Got me?”
“Yeah,” I nod. “I got you. Kiss his ass, and pretend I like the man. Got it.”
I don’t have to like Braden to interact with him for a few minutes to pick up some cash to make payroll. We all work hard for the money we earn and having it stolen has everyone on edge.
“I’ll be cool. Promise.”
“All right. Good shit. Keep me posted on everything. Meeting adjourned.”
The brothers get up and filter out of the room after one of the longest meetings in recent history.
“We’ll figure this out,” I tell Ace confidently.
He nods. “I know, but I won’t feel better until it’s been figured out and dealt with. Period.”
“Message received.”
With one final nod of understanding, I leave the room and make my way outside, bypassing the grumbling and worried words of my brothers on the way to my bike.
My girl is all chrome and leather, fully functional and fast as a motherfucker. The only girl I’ve ever really loved, so I decide to take her to Destiny of Life Church via the scenic route.
Nothing better than the wind in my face to clear my head and make sure no nosy assholes follow me.