Page 36 of Memphis

“It sure as hell didn’t sound like nothing.”

“They’re trying some bullshit, but it’s nothing for you to be concerned about.”

“Are you fucking kidding me? I may not be at a hundred percent, but I’m still a brother and what happens to the club means something to me.”

“I know, son, but that’s not what you need to be focused on right now. You’ve got this to deal with. I’ve got things covered at the club.”

“How are you supposed to do that when you’re always here?”

“I’m managing.”

“I appreciate you being here, Pop, but it’s been weeks. You can’t keep this up. Just because my life is on hold doesn’t mean yours has to be. The club needs you."

“The club is fine.” He frowned, the deep lines on his face becoming more pronounced. "Creed can manage without me for a bit longer. You’re what’s important right now."

I closed my eyes for a moment, taking a deep breath. When I opened them again, I looked straight into his eyes, willing himto understand. "I’m going to be okay. I’ll be okay whether you’re here or not, so go back and do what you need to do. And from the sounds of it, you need to go back sooner than later.”

“I don’t know. It doesn’t feel right.”

“It’s what you need to do. It’s what I want you to do.”

“I appreciate that, son, but it still feels like I’m just leaving you high and dry,”

“I’m going to be fine, and I’ll feel even better knowing you are taking care of Fury.”

Dad sighed. “Okay, but I’m still going to be checking in with you every day.”

“Understood.”

He stood up, giving my arm a final, reassuring squeeze. "I’ll be back in a couple of days, but you call me if you need anything."

"I will," I promised, watching as he walked to the door, his steps a bit lighter than they had been in days. "And Pop?"

He turned, one hand on the doorframe. "Yeah?"

"Thank you."

“Just get better. That’s all the thanks I need.”

I gave him a nod, and after a moment, he finally left the room. I thought I’d finally have a few minutes to myself when there was a tap on the door. I braced myself as I waited to see who was going to step into the room, and relief washed over me when I saw that it was Goose.

A big smile spread across his face as he said, “What’s up, brother?”

“Hey, man. How’s it going?”

“Can’t complain.” He started over to me as he said, “I just saw Prez. He said he was heading back to the clubhouse.”

“Yeah, I told him that it was time for him to get back.”

“I could say the same about you.” He motioned his hand over my bed as he teased, “You’re really milking this thing for all it’s worth, huh?”

“Doing what I can. But can you blame me? I got twenty-four-hour service, and the nurses are smoking hot. And the food’s not all that bad either.”

“Damn. What’s it take to get into a swanky place like this?”

“Well, that’s the one hiccup.” I shook my head. “You gotta be pretty fucked up for them to even look at ya.”

“Yeah, I figured there was a catch.” He smiled as he motioned his head towards the foot of the bed. “So, how them legs treatin’ ya?”

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