“You want us to run?” Ink whispered in outrage. Nothing I could say would make them understand the importance of what would happen tomorrow. These men were used to fighting. I knew running went against every grain in their bodies, but tomorrow was not something we would survive. No amount of preparation could prevent the slaughter from coming for us.
“Yes. After this meeting I want all of you to pack only what you will need. Make sure your bikes have plenty of gas, because the second the Preacher says man and wife, all hell will break lose. This isn’t a fight we can win. We will rendezvous at the Tennessee chapter.”
“It’s gone, or have you forgotten that already?” Massacre sneered. “Look, man. I love you like a brother, but this plan sucks. None of us are leaving. We’re fucking Golden Skulls. We fight. You want this shit to end, then end it. My brother didn’t die just so you could run like a pussy.”
“Dwayne’s right, Reaper,” Giovanni affirmed. “I lost a good portion of my family on that island. You run now and they died for nothing. Goldman wants a fight. Then let’s give him one.”
“The fucking Italian is right,” Dylan said. “Goldman wants to wipe the Skulls off the planet. He won’t stop until he’s achieved that. If we run, all of us will have a target on our backs. No. The only way to end this shit is to stay and fight. Give him a fight he will never forget.”
“Bullseye’s right, Reaper,” Chaos added. “It’s time to lay all the cards on the table. Fuck him and what he wants.”
“There is another way,” Phantom softly said.
All of us turned to look at her. Sitting at the corner of the bar, nursing a beer, she didn’t bother looking up as she continued. “Fucker wants a war. I say give it to him.”
Brothers nodded in agreement.
Turning to Dylan, I saw that he was laser focused on Phantom. Not a single muscle moved as his eyes narrowed.
“We fight, we die, Phantom. Even you have to know that.”
“I do. I would rather go out on my own terms than let that bastard win. Unless you stay and fight, this shit will never end. I say, blow the fucking clubhouse and get ready for the fight of our lives. With all of us armed, it only takes one bullet to kill that fucker. Cut the head off the snake, Reaper. There will be no peace until you do.”
“I have some explosives left over from the last construction job. It’s more than enough to blow this clubhouse,” Smoke offered. “Hammer and I can rig it to blow easily from our phones. Give us the word and it’s done.”
“What about my son and Remi’s siblings?”
“I’ve got Sunshine and her brother,” a voice said, stepping out of the shadows. Everyone turned to find Sandman standing there looking like death. A shiver of unease rippled down my spine. That fucker was a loose cannon. Could I trust Remi's siblings to him? Would he protect them like they needed? Then again, this was one man that everyone feared. Nightmares came to life when this fucker was around. If anyone could protect Sunny and Jax, it would be him. No one would even think twice about going up against Sandman. The man was death incarnate.
“Just do it, Max,” Dylan said, getting my attention. “You already know what you’re going to do.”
He was right. I knew. I tried. I gave them all the options and not one single bit. In fact, they fought back. Schooling my features, I took control and said, “Okay. Have it your way. This is what we’re going to do.”
When the meeting was over, I went in search of Vicious. I found him in his room packing a small to-go bag. Knocking on his door, I waited for him to look at me.
I had a special project for him.
Only he could ensure it was done.
“Yeah?”
“I need a favor.” I knew he wouldn’t be happy about this, but he would make sure it got done. He said nothing as I told him what I wanted. In the end, there was no cursing, just acceptance. Before I left, I shook his hand, then hugged him. Knowing this would be the last time I saw him.
I headed back into the main room, sitting at the bar.
Chaos was behind it as he handed me a beer.
“You doing okay?”
“No,” I said before taking a long pull. Putting the beer back down on the bar, I asked. “You tell Angelina?”
“Yeah. She’s taking Maria and leaving tonight.”
“You look too calm Chaos.”
“Looks can be deceiving.”
A noise off to my left had me turning as I watched Ghost, Ari and Becca descend the stairs. Suitcases in Ghost’s hands as Roxy followed behind.