“Nice of you to join us,” Prez grumbles as I get comfortable and set my beer down on the large table. “In session,” he states and slams the gavel down. The wood landing on the table is loud enough that the sound bounces off the walls and I have to hold myself still not to cringe. The brothers would give me a ton of shit if they witnessed me jump from the damn gavel.
“The three Fists we brought in have been talking. Leisurely, unfortunately, but at least we’re getting some kind of information from them. We have two confirmed locations for their compounds so far, and until we get any others out of them, Ruger is actively searching between the areas.”
Viking’s cousin, Blaze, speaks up. “So you believe they’ll all be close together.”
He nods. “Yeah, it makes sense. It’d be easy enough for them to get to each other but safer to be spread out.”
Prez has a point. The other Oath Keepers charter is about twenty minutes away from here; it’s convenient for the brothers to go back and forth. It’s also just far enough away from each other to deter a rival club trying to take us all out at once. The Iron Fists tried at one time but most of the club was gone and missed the hit, so in the end, the Fists failed.
“Once we find the locations and know for sure there are no others close enough to dole out immediate retaliation on us, we’ll hit. We have to be certain though. This is us calling for war once we hit them, and I, for one, have breathed a bit easier having this supposed truce.”
Nightmare’s fist slams on the table. “Fuck the truce. I want their lives. Puppet’s death is mine for the taking, and I want to see the motherfucker filleted and burned to ash for touching my family.”
Viking winces at the outburst and agrees. “Yes brother, I gave you my word you’d have your revenge. When it’s time, we’ll coordinate with Ares’ club.”
“How will we get close enough to them?” Odin asks.
“Ares will split up his brothers and set one of the Fists’ compounds on fire then hold back to catch any remaining stragglers that may make it out alive. We’ll take whatever necessary precautions and storm the main clubhouse. Unless we can get ahold of Puppet, the Iron Fists’ head president, another way. If that happens, then we just sit back and blow the third clubhouse sky high somehow.”
Torch grunts. “And the cops?” He’s always the one thinking about repercussions from the law.
“The sheriff will look the other way if it’s in his jurisdiction. He wants the Fists gone. They’ve caused too many problems, and he’s been friends with my ol’ lady’s pops for far too long. His loyalty lies with the club if it gets rid of one of his problems.”
Torch shakes his head. “You can never trust the cops.”
Prez sighs. “Relax, T, I’ve taken care of it.” He turns to the brothers across from me. “Saint and Sinner, I want you both to ride up to meet with Ruger. He’s caught wind of someone following him, and he may need some backup.”
“Bet,” Sinner agrees.
“About time we get to have some fun,” Saint grins manically.
Prez turns to Smokey. “Make sure to send them with some extra cash for the hotels and shit. Keep me posted on the books.”
Smokey nods, taking a drag of his cigarette.
“Odin and Torch, you both need to hit The Pit tonight.” They agree, and he continues. “Anything else?”
We stay quiet.
“Do your fucking job and get the hell out of here. Church is over.” He slams the gavel down, and we all rise. “Mercenary.” The Prez calls my name before I take a step.
“Yeah?”
“Hold back a sec; I need to have a chat with you.”
This can’t be good. We’re bikers, we don’t ‘chat.’ “What’s up?” I sit back in my spot at the other end of the table. I’m the newest here, so I sit the farthest away from him.
“You need to sit tight tonight.”
“Excuse me? I have a race.” I’m not staying at the club; I have to protect Chevelle.
He shakes his head. “I’m sending Torch in your place.”
My throat nearly closes up thinking of him with Chevelle. I choke out, “Excuse me?”
With a shrug, he lets out a sigh. “I spoke to Chevelle earlier.”
“And?” When was this? It had to be when I dropped her off. That was the only time she was out of my sight besides when she showered.