“Sure.” It didn’t take long earlier to pack up the camper and hauling it back here with Valentina helping me every step of the way.
“Grab a bottle or a few beers. You’re gonna need it.” Shovel stays vague. I don’t take his advice.
“I’m good.” If shit is bad, I’m going to need a clear mind.
“Suit yourself.” We step inside the room where we hold church. Razor is sitting at the table along with Crank, a somber expression on their faces, one that’s portrayed on Shovel’s as well. I think of what could be going wrong. It’s definitely not my mother, seeing how I talked to her yesterday, and my sister is staying with her until I get a chance to head over tomorrow.
“Sit down, brother,” Crank states, rubbing a hand down his long beard. I drop into a chair, something I don’t ever do inside these walls, but there’s a sinking feeling in my gut.
“You’re not gonna like this, and I say this man to man. I know the brothers didn’t exactly bring her into the fold today, well, besides Crank. The shit we just heard and saw, you need to get her out of there. It’s clear she doesn’t know jack shit, and fuck, man, you need to do it soon.” This comes from Razor.
“You’re a fuckin’ dipshit.” Crank looks at Razor and then Shovel. It’s rare that Crank will speak his mind out in the open like he is, so shit must be bad.
“Pretty sure I know that. I’m already eatin’ crow from Raven.” I grab the remote, already getting an inklin’ that Officer Douchebag Brian has done or said something to Valentina.
“I’m not sayin’ a fuckin’ word. I gave you the all-clear sign in the middle of the night. That girl is pure to the depths of her bones. Had a shit hand dealt. First her mom, then her ex-husband, and now the man who was a part of giving her life. She doesn’t need much more shit till she breaks.” I shake my head, hit the play button, and watch the events play out. My stomach is filled with acid, and I’m ready to climb on my bike, kick a door down, and strangle him to death. It’s when she closes her door that I’m creeped the fuck out and am taking my first deep breath since turning the recording on.
“I’m goin’ to get her. I can’t believe you let this shit sit for how long now?” I demand the answer, standing up, the chair screeching as it slams into the wall behind me.
“She’s not your Ol’ Lady, man. It’d be different. She’d be under our protection.” Shovel keeps his head level.
“You see that piece of shit? You’re sayin’ that if you never laid claim to Persephone and had the power to stop that, you wouldn’t? That’s fucked, man. If this is how the MC is gonna be, knowin’ damn well we protect women, not feed ‘em to the fuckin’ wolves, I’m gone.” Crank stands up with me in solidarity.
“Sit your ass down, both of ya. Razor has Dice on the cop. He left shortly after Valentina entered her room. There’s still more shit we gotta hammer out, which we will. You haven’t even gotten to the part where he put a bounty on your head, so lock your shit down. And that’s the only time I’ll let you talk to me like that.”
“You fucked up, Shovel, and you know it.” This comes from Crank, shaking his head. He served beside Nail, Shovel’s dad, and right now, he’s saying what I’m feeling.
“Know that. I’ll make it right. She’s in. Doesn’t matter if Bullet lays claim or not. I’m not gonna leave her out there swingin’ in the wind. I’ll tell you this now, you leave club property, you stay armed. You feel a bead on you, call for backup, and tomorrow, as soon as we get the all-clear from Dice, get your girl and bring her to the club. Now I’m done with this shit. I fucked up. I’m makin’ it right. I got an Ol’ Lady at home who is waitin’ on me, and she ain’t too impressed with me either. It’s time to fix that.” He sits down in his chair, lets out a breath. This shit is fucked up, and I already know if I attempt to leave, Shovel will have my head on a platter.
“Yeah, well, I expect the brothers not to be dicks tomorrow. Valentina doesn’t need more shit slung her way. I’m goin’ to work out.”
“Shovel, that girl is under my wing. I’ve seen a broken bird many a time in my day. I don’t ask for much around here, served alongside your father. That girl could use someone. I already know Bullet will step up, but know that I’m right there standin’ beside him.” That’s probably the most Crank has said in one day, what with him talking Valentina’s ear off this morning when we were all eating breakfast.