“Z’s right,” Dex says, putting an end to us picking on Jigsaw. “We used to do a lot more charity events in Empire. It wouldn’t hurt to slap a fresh coat of paint on our ‘nothing but good guys who ride Harleys’ reputation. With all the shit going on with MCs in other areas, we should dust off our warm, fuzzy sides and show them off.”
“Thank you for volunteering,warm fuzzy.” I reach for a pen and piece of paper. “‘Dex—in charge of haunted house.’”
“No way,” Ravage protests. “John Wick over there might scare the kids away.”
Dex shoots him a glare, then turns toward me. “I’ll have my hands full with Crystal Ball on Halloween, brother. It’s one of our busiest nights.”
Fuck, he’s right. Dex has enough to do.
“Maybe Murphy should do it,” Z suggests.
“Since he’s basically an overgrown child?” Teller asks.
“Fuck yeah, I’ll decorate the shit out of Furious.” Murphy sends me a big shit-eating grin, daring me to make fun of him.
Sometimes I miss the days when he feared me. “Just because we’re partners and you’re wearing that VP patch now doesn’t mean I won’t kick your ass.”
“Bring it on, big guy.” He motions to me with his fingers.
Just as I lean over the table to wrap my fingers around his throat, Rock stops me with a hand to my chest. “Simmer the fuck down.”
Bricks raises his hand. “I’ll do it.” He leans forward to get Teller’s attention. “Think Scribbles would be willing to help out?”
“Yeah, Carter would probably be down for that,” Teller says, then flicks his gaze my way.
“What?” I ask.
“Trinity’s an artist too. Think she’ll want to work on it?”
I’m not usually a fan of anyone volunteering my wife for free labor. But I’d rather have Trinity oversee this project. She won’t let anyone fuck up my gym beyond repair. Plus, I know damn well how excited she’ll be to flex her creative muscles. “Probably. I’ll ask her.”
“Swan’s head of the decorating committee at Crystal Ball,” Dex volunteers. “I’m sure she’ll help out if Trinity doesn’t have time.”
“Skip the apple-bobbing this year,” Z says to Dex. “Remember when we set that up and Annie tried to drown that other chick?”
Dex smirks. “How could I forget.”
“What about you, Farmer Bob?” Z lifts his chin at Teller. “Lilly said you’re arranging something at your doomsday compound.”
Teller rolls his eyes. “For the little guys, not foryou. Carter and I have been working on a mini hay bale maze in the backyard. If you decide on a maze at Furious, he’ll be prepared.” He turns toward Rock. “We’re not planning to scare the shit out of the kids or anything spooky. So it’ll be safe for Grace.”
Rock nods. “Thanks.”
Teller leans forward again, staring down the table at Bricks. “You and Winter should bring the little guys over, too.”
“I dunno, man. Deacon informed me that he’s ‘too big’ for trick-or-treating this year,” Bricks laughs.
“He can help me ‘manage’ the little guys if he wants,” Teller offers.
“Thanks, bro.”
“Kiddie mazes?” Ravage drums his fingers on the table. “We all got called to the table for this?”
“Fuck off,” Teller grumbles. “Sorry if we interrupted your riveting day of jacking off and playing video games.”
Ravage jerks his fist in the air, as if he wants to prove he’s a jack-off expert. Sparky jumps out of his chair and shoves Ravage, almost knocking him onto the floor.
“Have some respect.” Sparky settles into his seat again.