I knew it, but I refused to give her up. Besides my daughter, my wife was the only good thing in my life. I loved my brothers and this club, but without Ari and Becca, I wouldn’t want to live.
I knew there was nothing I could really say to take away her pain. All I could do was give her time to absorb what she’d done and accept it. She was currently in the kitchen with Roxy and the girls, helping with dinner.
The Tennessee Chapter had arrived four days ago. It was a somber occasion as they brought Moonshine home. His funeral was hard, especially for Roxy. Ari had been her rock and still was. Since the Tennessee Chapter would need time to rebuild, Reaper offered them our clubhouse as home and made Ravage the new President of the Tennessee Chapter. Though we were at full capacity and literally bumping into one another, the compound felt lighter and happier somehow.
“Why are you smiling?” Matrix said, taking a seat at the bar next to me.
“I feel good, man. My woman is alive, my daughter is happy. I can’t explain it. I just feel happy.”
“Well,” Matrix frowned. “I hate to burst your love bubble, but you need to tell Reaper what Kitty told us. I got word that the Collector is on the move again. Sypher is on the computer tracking his movements. The sooner Reaper learns the truth, the faster he can come up with a plan.”
“Really?” I deadpanned, staring at Matrix. “You just couldn’t wait to burst my bubble, could you?”
Matrix grinned. “What can I say? I saw you looking all happy and in love and shit. Someone needed to bring your ass back to earth.”
“I ought to kick your ass.”
“Sure,” Matrix chuckled as he got up and started to walk away. “Right after you give bossman the bad news. I go gather the boys.”
“Why do I have to do it?” I yelled.
“Because you’re wearing the V.P. patch!”
“Fuck.”
Getting up, I went in search of Reaper. I found him in Church talking with Ravage. When Reaper waved me in, I closed the door behind me, sat down, and listened. “It shouldn’t take too long. I’ve already contacted Stone, and he said he could get started as soon as he has the permits. He thinks it should take no more than six months, maybe more. I figure as long as he stays sober, we should be good.”
“That crazy fucker is good with builds but better with the drink. Who are you sending to keep him under control?”
“Digger is still there. Since Stella just found out she was pregnant, she didn’t want to leave. So, I’m thinking of sending Trout back to help. The both of them can keep Stone on the straight and narrow. As for the rest of us, it looks like we're gonna soak up some of the California sun.”
Reaper grinned. “Have you picked your V.P. yet?”
“Slaughter.”
Reaper nodded. “He’s going to be a handful.”
“Don’t I know it, but he’s the one I want at my back when shit goes sideways.”
“Agreed,” Reaper said. “How are the boys handling everything?”
“Sypher is taking it the hardest. He really loved his dad. As for the others, they’ve been finding solace elsewhere.”
“Keep an eye on the kid. He’s too damn smart for his own good. I don’t want him going off the rails if he can’t handle his emotions. If you have to, leave him here. I can send Phantom to you.”
Ravage nodded.
Reaper looked at me and asked. “What’s up?”
“Got some news,” I replied seriously, and Reaper sighed. “Can it wait?”
“No. Found out some shit right before you came back. With everything that went down, I forgot about it until now. Matrix is gathering the boys.”
“Why do I get the feeling I am not going to like what you are going to say?”
“You’re not.” I deadpanned.
Reaper sighed, nodded, and then got to his feet. “Send the text, Ghost—church in ten. Ravage, you better get your boys in here too. Surfing lessons will have to wait.”