He took my hand and led me outside to his shop. The inside looked like a honky-tonk. There were pool tables and a juke box, a bar that ran the length of the building and pictures of motorcycles were hung everywhere. Behind the bar, I could see bottles of whiskey and tap beer available. I half expected someone to show up and take our order. In the back of the shop, there were two large double doors that were locked with a padlock. Luke presented a key, unlocked the doors and pushed them open. A huge table was centered in the room. Around the table were large brown leather chairs that looked like something an executive would sit in. What was most amazing to me though, were the large, framed shadow boxes that covered the walls housing leather vests with different patches on them. I felt like I had stepped into a museum.
“The boxes are fire and bullet proof, so even in the worst circumstances, they are protected. These two here belong to the founders of the club. My Grandfather Pops and his lifelong friend Gill.” Luke said, leading me to the head of the table and pointing to the two boxes on the wall behind it. “They did time together in Parchman, a five year stretch in the seventies. When they got out they went their separate ways. My grandfather joined in with an MC out of Louisiana and Gill moved to Texas. After about two years, they reunited and decided to start their own club. That’s how the Devil’s Renegades MC began.”
I was amazed at the history in the room. Founders and members were listed on the wall and a shrine made of each and every one of them. Each box held their vest and a personal keepsake. I noticed Pop’s keepsake was a coloring page that had been scribbled on and the name James printed on the bottom in a child’s handwriting.
“My father drew that for him when he was very young. He kept it with him for years. He said it was the only memory he had of my father ever loving him,” Luke said, melancholy ringing loud in his voice. Poor Luke, it must have been terrible growing up in the middle of a family feud. I couldn’t imagine having to choose between my parents and grandparents. Even though I was lacking in the family department, at least when they were alive they all got along. I smiled at him and grabbed his hand reassuringly. “It was a long time ago babe-water under the bridge,” he said, kissing my hand. He showed me the other vest, housed in the shadow boxes around the room. I soon learned they were called “cuts.” They all belonged to former members, all of whom had passed on. “We have meetings here weekly, and hold a formal church once a month. All members are expected to be present at church. It’s the time that we discuss business, upcoming events, and any problems they may affect the club.”
“Where do you sit?” I asked.
“At the head of the table,” he said to me as if that was something I should have known. I laughed. Of course he did.
“So, where do I fit in with all of this?”
“You don’t.” He said matter-of-fact. Oh. “You are with me. If things work out, I would love for you to become my ol’ lady.” Luke was back in biker mode.
“Ol’ lady? What the hell is that?” I asked. It sounded horrible.
“It’s not disrespectful babe. It’s actually the complete opposite. Being an ol’ lady has its perks, especially if you’re the president’s ol’ lady,” he said smirking at me.
“I don’t like the term “ol’ lady.” It sounds silly,” I said, frowning. I liked babe a lot better.
“Ol’ lady is used as an endearment. It might sound silly to you in the outside world, but in my world, it’s the most respectful position a woman can have.”
“Well, what will I have to do?” I asked.
He laughed, “Let’s get you through one day at a time. If you see this is something you want and can handle, then I’ll tell you more and we can take the next step. The girls can really help with these things. I know you don’t like them that much, but at one time they were right where you are. Red knows a lot about this lifestyle. She is kinda the go-to girl in the club, and can help you with any questions you have. Tomorrow night we go out for steak night at a local bar and grill. I would really like you to come. You will get a chance to meet everyone and see if this is something you really want.”
This was a lot to take in. I wanted to find out what this life was really about. I had become so attached to Luke. I knew I couldn’t be happy without him in my life, so I was willing to take a chance. Plus, my curiosity had gotten the better of me.