Ink and Hannibal had been there that night and knew the truth. Max and his woman had faked their deaths to hold off the upcoming war. They were currently down in Texas with the National Chapter until things settled.
The move was supposed to be temporary, but with the Russians as well as several government law enforcement agencies after both of them, there was no telling when they’d be able to come back. Or if they would find a new home elsewhere. The Club had held a memorial for him to make sure that the fake story was believed.
Normally, all the Brothers would have been trusted with the information. However, it had become unfortunately clear that the Russians had some way to find out what was going on inside the Dark Sons. The Officers have kept the information need to know only.
Grinder stood. “I nominate Dragon. He’s got the level head we need in the position.” He sat down and there was murmuring through the Brothers.
They had patched Dragon into the Club about a year ago. Everyone respected the tall as fuck Native American man, but officer positions usually went to people who had been in the Club longer.
The truth was the Road Captain’s job wasn’t one many people sought after. It meant a lot of traveling and having to attend almost every run. Dragon and his Old Lady Tari were trying for another baby. So he wasn’t sure if the Brother would want the position. However, he would be stuck with it if no one else was nominated. You couldn’t decline.
Ink looked over at the Brothers present. Yes, it was important that the man in the position had an even temper, but it was more than that. Each position was about the security of the Club. The Treasurer looked after the financial concerns, the Secretary made sure everyone knew what was going on, and the Sergeant at Arms maintained physical security. The Road Captain was at the heart of the Club, making sure they stayed bonded and no arguments spiraled it out of control. He had to understand what was inside everyone’s minds and try to cut off problems before they started.
That was why it was better to have someone with a longer history in the position. The more he thought about it, the more he realized Grinder was the perfect candidate.
He had been with the chapter since they formed, didn’t have an Old Lady and was still young enough to enjoy the long runs necessary to hold the position. Grinder was friends with everyone, even if he was one of the wilder Brothers. But with the rest of the Officers being more conservative, it would be good to have something different in the leadership.
Ink stood. “I nominate Grinder. He’s not tied down with an Old Lady and still remembers how to have fun on a ride.” Chuckles filled the room. “As long as Sharp can spare him from the garage. He’s got a flexible work schedule. Plus, he’s been a patched member longer than Dragon, knows us better.”
“Thanks.” Grinder didn’t seem like he was really grateful, but he was the right choice.
“All right, we got two candidates. Anyone else have a name they want to put forward?” Hawk paused long enough that it was clear no one else was going to speak up. “Let’s make this simple. All in favor of Grinder being our next Road Captain, raise your hand.”
About three quarters of the room raised their hands, including Dragon, making his lack of desire for the position clear. Once people saw his hand was up, pretty much everyone in the room raised their hand.
Grinder swore under his breath, and Ink couldn’t help but chuckle. The man had probably guessed that without another candidate put forward, he would be drafted into the position, so he’d offered up Dragon.
“All right, that’s done. Get your ass up here to the last empty seat at the Officer’s table.” Hawk’s smile was teasing. Grinder joined them to the good-natured ribbing of everyone he passed.
The Club wasn’t a democracy, though they did occasionally hold votes. Every one of them accepted that if Hawk decided he didn’t like the outcome of something, he could and would overturn any decision. That was what made the role of the Officers so important. They could advise him and help take care of the day-to-day functions of the Club without getting dragged down by red tape.
They spent the next forty-five minutes going over the usual business and Ink couldn’t help but check the clock every time they brought a new mind numbing subject up.
“Now for the real reason we had to move this damn meeting up.” All chatter stopped. Hawk looked at Tek. “Share with us what you found.”
Tek leaned back in his chair as if relaxing, but Ink could see the tension in his shoulders. “We’ve never had the best relationship with the local Bratva, but as you all know, last month that tentative peace went to shit. Both sides made mistakes that ended badly.”
Almost every one of them growled at his retelling.
“The fact that the explosion that claimed Max also took out one of their deep undercover agents and a lot of their guys has the entire family pulling any support they had once given us. They haven’t declared war yet. But we believe it will not be long before that happens. So far I’ve only found nuisance feints. Cyber-attacks on some of our businesses which we can’t prove were them. Petty harassment of our people that skirt right on the line of acceptable. So far, we haven’t been able to trace any of it back directly to them.”
Hawk leaned forward, putting his hands on the table in front of him. “Normally, that would be enough for us to rip up our treaties. Unfortunately, their harassment seems to be focused here in Denver. Petrov and I have a long history and not a good one. National is aware of the problem and wants to hold off on war as long as possible. Give them time to build up resources and information. That means we need to be extra vigilant about everything. Protect our families and keep them tight. Make sure they don’t become easy targets. Check in on our businesses on a more regular basis to make sure they haven’t gotten a foothold so we won’t get blindsided.”
“We’re supposed to believe Petrov won’t escalate?” someone shouted.
“He will. But I believe he will wait for an excuse. He likes to pretend that everything is someone else’s fault. So starting now, everyone has to take extra shifts for the Club. If you’ve got family, let them know. Sharp will send out the rotations and the extra responsibilities that we’re going to want each one of you to pick up. Clear your schedules as much as possible. And don’t go anywhere unprepared.”
Highdive stood up and his gaze swept over the room. Every one of them felt the seriousness of the situation by the fury contained within his eyes. He gave everyone in the room a moment and made sure that all eyes were on him before he spoke.
“We are not to provoke them. However, I don’t want a single one of you fuckers hesitating for even a second. If you think they’re coming at you then, fuck the consequences, you act. This is going to be war. I know it. You all know it.”
It was as if ice ran down Ink’s spine at the blunt words.
Highdive continued, “Those Russians are not going to know what hit them when they’re stupid enough to step their foot over that line. If you have any contacts, you should be working them. Share anything you find immediately with Tek. You have even a prickle at the back of your neck and want backup, I want you contacting me. Being a Dark Son means you are never alone. Asking for backup is what we do. I want no lone wolves on this shit.”
His gaze swept the room.
“Dark Sons for life!” Hawk shouted out the words in a tone that would have made a drill sergeant proud.