Bones pointed his finger at me. “Exactly right, he was running it on the side. He has no loyalty. That might have been the reason why he was able to set up so quickly in Glenam.”
“Piece of shit, that’s what he is,” Ink chimed in. “Let’s just say it was them that set Numbers up, now it’s down to which one of them it was.”
“Is there really any point to try and pursue it? What’s going to come out of it?” Gunner put forward as he sucked down his beer.
“That’s what I’m thinking, Gunner,” Bones retorted with a grimace on his tired face. “I think the bigger issue is that the cartel wants their money. We do have the money, but it would eat into our savings. I have plans for us as a club to start venturing into real estate. I think we need to start having some conversations about this to get the ball rolling.”
“I think we hold off on making a move with the mob,” I spoke up. “I know they’re looking for their money, but if we do invest as a club, in say a restaurant or whatever else we agree on, then we can get the money that way. Or we can go one better and get solid legal representation on our side. If we want to take it to the cops, it may be helpful.” I’d finished my beer and all this new information was making my head hurt. I stood up to stretch my legs and head to the fridge for another one.
Gunner shut down the cop idea “The cops? No way. We aren’t so squeaky clean that we can start breaking bread with them. We’re Rebel Saints, that Rebel name is still part of our reputation. If we step to the cops that will open up a whole can of worms from our previous illegal activities. Snake could put us on blast.”
As I pulled a beer from the fridge, Ink put his hand up indicating he wanted another. I grabbed another one and passed it across the table to him.
“Truth. Or he may not,” I explained as the guys looked at me with interest. “He’s not legal by any means. It could put a strain on the Devil Riders if they’re being looked into. I suspect they’re just trying to rattle our cages and put us in a state of panic. I think you can have a conversation or find some solution with the cartel. I think it’s why we need to have legal representation, so we know the law.” I could tell from their faces they agreed. I had my own ulterior motives in wanting representation. Secretly, I wanted to spend more time with the enigma that was Mia.
Bones rubbed his hands together; he appeared contemplative and considering the option.
Mia’s sensual mouth popped up in my mind. Inconvenient. The way she licked her lips because she was hot standing outside the station. I hoped Bones would listen.
“Do you have someone in mind, Numbers?” Bones asked. “I think it would be a good idea. If we are going to move legitimately and buy up property, then we may have some heat coming our way.”
“Mia. She’s good and a straight talker,” I replied with a little bit too much excitement in my voice. “She’s already got dealings with us. She helped out Smoke’s old lady and she got that detective off my back. She has good connections here in Holbeck. I vote for her.”
Smoke confirmed this, “Naomi was happy with her when she was helping out at the Sweet Spot. She doesn’t take no shit.”
Bones sat back in his seat. “Okay. Let’s put it to a vote. Numbers, do what you do best and run the numbers on what we can offer her. We need to consider our options for future projects as well.”
I nodded my head. “Gotcha.”
“All those in favor of Mia representing the club, raise your hand,” Bones directed.
I scanned the men around the table. Everyone raised their hands in favor as relief flooded my system.
“Numbers, there you go.” Bones gave me a nod. “Let’s put the paperwork together and lay an offer on the table for her.”
“Sounds good.” I was fist pumping on the inside at another reason to see Mia.
“Do you think the club needs more protective measures?” Hawk jumped in. “Especially, since the Devil Riders keep trying us?”
“I think for now we can leave it,” Bones said. “Let’s not be reactive and sit tight on it. I think once we lock in legal representation that will make them back off.”
“That makes sense,” I declared. The second beer was mellowing me out, and my mind kept drifting over to Mia. This might be the perfect opportunity for me to ask her out.
Ink nudged his way into my thoughts, “Will be good to have female representation as well. Might soften us up to the public. Prolly will help us in the long run, image wise.”
“Now, I really hope she comes on board,” Bones replied in a jovial tone.
The boys chuckled around the room.
“Me too. It’s good business,” I added. “I’ll run some numbers later today and get back to you, Bones, about what we can offer.”
“Good. I want to talk to you all about other businesses. I have some ideas about where we can head as a club. I want to make a play for the Red Stone Casino as a whole. We already own the bar. I want the whole hog for us. That’s our domain.” He put his hands up to stop any potential protests from us. “I know, I know it’s a long shot, but it’s doable. All of our funds have to come together and maybe some help from the stars too. We have to start believing in the club again and making this a safe place to live. Some of us at this table have kids. We have to start to think of the future.” Bones got his name from the craps and blackjack tables at the casino.
To me, he had a vested interest. The idea seemed like a bold move, but if anyone could do it, we could.
I backed him up on it, running the figures through my head. “We got it. The bar is grossing us a stable income right now, and we have our hand in a few other ventures that are moving us in the right direction. I don’t see why we can’t. It’s going to take some work, and we might need to restructure and tighten up in some areas, but it can be done. It’s a big play, Bones. Huge. If we are gunning for it, we gotta keep it under wraps. If Devil Riders get hold of the idea, then shit can go haywire.”
Bones nodded. “You’re my brothers, and I know that half the club walked out. I’m counting on you to come with me. Since Rider…” His voice trailed off as sadness flickered in his eyes. He retained his composure and continued, “Since Rider, we’ve been finding our feet as a club. We’re slowly making our way there. We run security for the club now, that’s another coup for us.”