I flicked my eyes to Raul. “Do we have enough members in the bar to vote?”
Raul sighed, lifting out of the chair. “Yeah. I’ll get Hero’s proxy and explain what’s going on to the rest in the bar.” He left the office.
I leveled my gaze at Justin as I rocked in my chair. “A leave of absence would be better. If I fill your spot at the table, that’s it. You can’t get it back.”
“I know, Storm. I’m not going to change my mind. I’m too old for the club life. Too damn tired to be a one-percenter. Living and dying for the club isn’t what I want anymore. I need to think about Emilee.”
“Does she know you’re getting out?”
His eyes went to the floor as he leaned against the wall, shoving his hands into his pockets. “No. I’m taking her back to school and will stay with her. Find an apartment where she can live with me. I’ll get a job. Have a normal life.”
I snorted. “There’s no such thing as normal, brother. You know that.”
“I need to do this, Storm. I won’t put her life in danger again.”
Justin wasn’t a fool. He was unhinged. Having the shit scared out of a person did that. If he wanted out of the club, I’d let him go.
“You could talk to Abe. See if he knows of any job prospects.” Fargo wasn’t far from my cousin’s territory. He’d know what’s available.
“Nah. I want no affiliation to the Knights. Sorry, brother.”
I stood and went to the door. “Let’s get this over with so I can get back to my woman.”
Everyone was gathered in the bar. I could cut the tension with a knife, it was so thick. Not once had a member wanted out. Only two members had ever been kicked out of the club, years before my time as president.
“Brothers,” I shouted. “Do you understand what this vote is for?”
They grunted.
“Justin wants out of Knight’s Legion MC. His position at the table as secretary will be open. A new member will be voted in by the council when I deem the time is right. Understand?”
They grunted.
I put my arm on Justin’s back. “Are you sure?”
He issued a short nod. “Yes.”
In a situation like this, it wasn’t likely anyone would vote against Justin leaving the club. A vote was a futile part of the process. So rather than ask who was in favor, I asked, “Does anyone oppose releasing Justin from the club?” I scanned the bar, making eye contact with my brothers. Not one spoke.
“Where is she?” Dodge stormed into the bar. So much for no one speaking. Heads turned his way.
“None of your goddamn business,” Justin yelled. “Stay away from my daughter or I’ll kill you.”
Shit, I didn’t need this. “Track. Boxer.” I jerked my head toward Dodge. They both grabbed an arm and held him back. It did no good. Dodge was a big motherfucker. I understood his desperation, but he’d betrayed Justin’s trust. It was time for him to learn a hard, painful lesson.
Justin pointed his finger at him. “If you go near my daughter, you’re dead.”
“She’s my woman. I claimed her. You can’t keep her from me.” Dodge struggled to get loose from Track and Boxer. “She’s having my baby, you sonofabitch,” he roared, getting red in the face.
My phone stole my attention in my back pocket. I took it out and my heart jolted. “Tina, what is it?”
“You need to get up here now,” she choked out through tears.
“Raul put him in the quiet room. Handle the rest,” I shouted, running out of the bar.
My bedroom door was open, Tina waited beside it. “She went in to shower and has been sobbing. The door is locked. I couldn’t get in. I’m sorry.”
I checked the doorknob like an idiot. “Angel, open the door.” Jesus, I was fuckin’ stupid. Like she could hear me over the shower and her wailing.