Page 35 of Memphis

“Seriously? Not even some coffee?”

“The pool fills up fast. Got to beat the rush.”

“Whatever you say, boss.”

She pushed the chair over to the bed and helped me over as she asked, “Where’s your friend?”

“Hmm?”

“The pretty lady who was here yesterday. I haven’t seen her before.”

“That would be Antonia.”

“Is she your girlfriend or...”

“Nah, she’s my stepsister.”

“Really. I would’ve... hmm.”

“What?”

“Oh, nothing. I just don’t know how I got that so wrong,” she giggled with embarrassment. “I’m usually a pretty good judge about things like that.”

“It happens.”

I could’ve let her in on our complicated story, but I didn’t know Jess all that well. I had no idea how she’d feel about the whole thing, so I decided it was best to just keep it under wraps. When we got to the pool area, one of the orderlies helped me change into a suit and helped me put on all my workout garb.

And then it was time for the fun to begin.

Jess got right to it, and by the time we were done, I was beyond spent.

I barely remembered changing back into my clothes, much less getting back to my room and into bed. My breakfast was right there within my reach, but I was in no mood to eat. I just wanted to close my eyes and breathe for a bit.

I dozed off and woke hours later when I heard Dad and Grim talking in the corner of my room. Grim was practically growling as he whispered, "I don't like this, Prez. They are taking this thing too far. They’re showing up at the Vault, pushing into our territory. It's only a matter of time before they try something bigger."

"We can't afford to start a war right now, especially with the Vipers.”

“Yeah, the timing sucks, but we can’t stand back and do nothing.”

“You’re right, but we gotta be smart about this."

"I don’t know, Prez. I don’t think smart's gonna cut it if they’re coming at us. We’re gonna have to do something. We gotta send a message and let them know we're not to be trifled with."

"You're right,” Dad sighed. “But we need to do this the right way. Get with Shep. Tell him to start gathering intel. We need to know their next move and be ready to strike.”

“You got it.”

With that, Grim slipped out the door, and Dad returned to his chair in the corner. It was the same chair he’d been sitting in since I’d gotten moved to the rehab center. The man had been with me every step of the way, and my frustration was his frustration. Even when I was a total douchebag, he stuck by my side and never failed to give me his support—even if it meant putting his other responsibilities on hold.

It meant a great deal to me, but I knew the stakes.

He was the president of Satan’s Fury, and without him there to keep a watchful eye, things could go to hell in a hand basket in a blink. The Vipers were calling for war, and without Dad there to lead the way, the club would suffer. I didn’t want that to happen. The club was his life. It was mine, too, so I said, “It’s time for you to get back. You need to be at the clubhouse.”

“I’m exactly where I need to be.”

“Maybe at first, but not now. You have other obligations.” I watched his eyes, tired but always filled with concern and determination. He was a good father and an even better president. He stood by the people he cared about, no matter what the cost. I knew the situation with the Vipers had to be getting to him, so I pushed, "The Vipers need to be addressed.”

"That whole thing is nothing.”

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