Page 22 of Elling & Jackie

"Have it good." He stepped away, and Heather called his name.

"Ride safe," she said.

"Ja." He raised his hand. "You..."

Inhaling deeply, he turned and walked into the bar without saying another word. He enjoyed Heather. She was a good woman. He wouldn't want anything to happen to her because he wished her a good night.

In the middle of the room, Peer flipped on the switch lighting the ring of fire in the middle of the room. He stared at the glowing orange flames as they rose in the air. For as long as he could remember, Slag Motorcycle Club took comfort and strength from always having a fire burning.

"I thought you were going to be gone tonight." Peer motioned him over to the counter. "Want a drink?"

"Nei, I'm good." He sat on the stool. "I'll be taking off whenever Marcus lets me know it's time to roll."

Peer glanced at the front windows. "I wish I could see the end to how this is going to play out for Slag."

He nodded. They all wanted to be prepared for the worst and held on to hope that they'd all survive the investigation. Slag was too deep into harassing the other motorcycle clubs in the area and keeping the attention on the Portland Chapter, they couldn't fall back and put everything on hold. To do so would open the Seattle Chapter into getting attacked and jeopardizing their shipments to Norway. They'd lose everything they had fought for.

"How's the kid?" he asked.

Peer picked up a towel and flipped it over his shoulder. "He's got two teeth now."

Elling grinned, enjoying Peer's boast. Gaining teeth happened to every child, but to Peer, it meant the world, and that was cool to share in his happiness.

"He'll be eating lefse soon," he said.

"Not if Coco is around." Peer shook his head. "I think she's related to Thorgerd and Irpa, especially when it comes to caring for Tyr, lecturing me about too much sugar in our diet."

He chuckled, picturing Coco standing up with the Norwegian goddesses and shooting arrows out of the tips of her fingers if Peer took a wrong step in being a single father. His MC brother was lucky to have Coco around and helping. Every child deserved to have a strong woman in his or her life.

Lizzy walked into the bar, followed by Dinah, Heather, and Monica. Behind the women, Roar and Brage came through the swinging door and took the stools on each side of Elling.

"Meeting on Thursday at seven o'clock." Brage leaned against the counter.

"I'll be there," he said.

Roar steepled his hands, turning toward him, and lowered his voice. "I would like that to happen without our friend outside counting the members as they ride in."

"Do you want me to distract him?" he asked.

"I'd feel better if it was you doing the job." Roar looked over Elling's shoulder, then brought his attention back to him. "I've had a discussion with Brage and Viktor this afternoon. We think it would be good if Campbell has a reason to stick by you."

His shoulders tensed. "You want me to give him a reason to arrest me?"

"Nei. I wouldn't jeopardize you, brother." Roar frowned. "I wouldn't sacrifice any of my men."

"Say what needs done," said Elling.

"Let Campbell know you're at the hotel. Let him see you. Let him question why you're away from the clubhouse." Roar paused as Monica walked behind the men. "You don't have to answer him. It'll probably be better to ignore his questions like you've been doing. By you being there, maybe he'll think you're on the outs with the club and giving his offer some thought, which will make him stick close to you and away from us."

He puffed out his cheeks and exhaled loudly. "Campbell makes me itch."

Roar nodded. "It'll be over by Friday."

"We have plans on Saturday." They had the hit in Pitnam on Bantorus Motorcycle Club, and he was part of the crew.

"Ja." Roar planted his hand on Elling's shoulder and stood. "We're watching the situation. But, we need you to secure the playing field."

"I will."

---