Page 17 of Savage Heart

With an exaggerated sigh, I respond, “You know what it’s like being the president. Some days it’s a breeze, and others, it’s like trying to herd cats. There are power struggles, conflicts, and most notably, other patched-in members attempting to dictate how to run things.”

Recognizing that I’m referencing him, King nods. “I meant no disrespect.”

“Yeah, you did,” I retort. “Do it again, and I’ll send Thea after you.” My voice carries a stern tone, and he takes a moment to process my words.

He smiles and playfully wags a finger at me. “You’re messing with me.”

“Yes, and no. It won’t be Thea.” I lean in closer to him. “It’ll be me.”

Thea returns with our food and puts a plate in front of each of us. “You good, Dane?”

King chuckles. “What, are you going to give me a good talking to?”

“No,” she replies. “I’ll call Judge, and you’ll vanish, never to be seen again because that’s how we operate.” Thea sets the cutlery in front of King. “Enjoy your meal.”

“You let women talk to brothers like that?”

“Just the ones who can take care of themselves.”

We eat in silence, and Thea gives King the cold shoulder whenever she comes to our table to refill coffee. For a woman who could barely look me in the eye when she first moved here, she seems to have decided the Savage Angels are good people. Well, the ones in Tourmaline, at least.

The door to the café opens, and Judge stands at our table.

“Hey, Prez. Rebel did a sweep of the clubhouse, not just the chapel. Everything came up clean.”

“Judge, have you met King? He’s the president of the Las Vegas chapter.”

Judge holds out his hand. “No, I haven’t. Welcome to Tourmaline, home of the Savage Angels.”

King shakes his hand. “The mother chapter.”

“You better believe it.” Judge releases his hand, nods at me, and leaves the café.

Howie walks over and hands me a box tied with string. “For Kat. Tell her I said hello, and I hope we see her soon.”

“Thanks, Howie, and I’ll pass it along.”

Howie smiles, gives me a nod, and then walks back behind the counter.

Looking at King, I ask, “You finished?”

The only thing left on King’s plate is some potato and chicken bones.

“It was good. You were right.”

Standing, I throw some bills on the table. “I always am, brother.”

***

Sitting around the table in the room we hold church, I wait for the men to introduce themselves. King came with his VP and another member of his chapter.

“Okay, we’re all family here. King, tell us what you think you know.”

His lips go into a hard, thin line as he stares at me, and then he nods and says, “Yeah, I deserved that. I disrespected you in your house, and I shouldn’t have. I apologize, but I’m under a lot of pressure to get this sorted.”

I acknowledge his statement with a nod of my head. It’s important in our world to address these matters with honesty and directness. King’s willingness to admit his wrongdoing is a positive sign.

“Respect within our family is crucial. Let’s move forward and focus on the business at hand. We’re all ears.”

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