Page 115 of The Originals

Chapter Thirty-Two

Unlike the meeting before, Jack brought a few men with him this time. Mack, Mick, Grain, and Tully walked in the building with him. They received the same routine line of questioning. Again, they were all carrying but none would admit to it. Nor would they submit to being frisked. One of the security guards gestured down the hall. Mick, Grain and Tully hung back while Mack followed Jack to the end of the hall. Jack walked in and stopped midway when Inez shook her head with her gaze locked on Mack.

“Just Jack.”

Mack sidled up next to him and snapped. “I’m the fucking VP.”

Inez smiled, sharing a look with Sal. “That makes you second in command. This meeting is for the big dogs, baby.”

Jack forced himself not to react, though he admired the way Inez handled every man. As if they were beneath her. And most were. Mack exited the room, and Jack took a seat across from Sal. Like last time, Inez was seated two seats down.

“My apologies for forcing your hand, Jack.”

Jack squared his jaw.

“But as you know, I got a lot a men jockeying for the position I’m offering you.”

The decision had been made in a unanimous vote. They’d align with the Underground but not without negotiations. This partnership would be on their terms.

“We won’t work with Satan’s Hex.”

Inez snorted, then laughed and slapped the table. “Look at you making demands. Got a set on you, Jack Reilly.”

“Non-negotiable.”

Sal smiled, glancing over at Jack. “I’ll cut them loose.”

Jack nodded.

Sal smiled. “I take it we have a deal?”

Jack nodded.

His vision of the Ghosttown Riders was forever changed.

It was a done deal. They were officially in the ranks of the Underground. It provided them with a certain level of safety, but the risks in doing business with and for Sal and his crew were high.

Jack didn’t bother with the celebratory drink Sal offered. He stood, shook his hand, and walked out the door. He met up with his brothers, but none of them said a word. Everyone knew while this would lucrative, it would come at a cost. Aligning with the Underground brought on a whole new set of risks and dangers.

Jack stopped on the edge of the sidewalk, lit his cigarette, and took a deep drag. Only time would tell how this would all turn out. They were in a good position, but life was unpredictable. The shoe could drop at any moment.

“I think you made the right decision, Jack,” Mick said, tucking his hands in his pockets. Jack glanced over at his brother. Mick wasn’t one hundred percent convincing, but he was showing his loyalty and support. Ghosttown MC would be hard pressed to find a better brother than Mick.

“Times are changing. This is gonna put every one of us in a dangerous position.”

“We trust you, Jack.”

Jack took another drag, nodding. He’d have the support of his club. They’d all look out for one another. They were family. But he wouldn’t wish this risk on anyone. His mind immediately went to Colleen. How could he claim to be a man and drag herinto this world knowing she had an out? His answer was right in front of him.

“Heading home?”

“Have to make a stop first.” He glanced over at his brothers. “I’ll catch up with you all tomorrow.”

Jack didn’t wait for a response. He headed to his bike, planning his next move that had nothing to do with the club. He’d do his best to keep them safe and all those affiliated. His life was about to change, potentially putting a target on everyone close to him.

****

Colleen looked over at the clock. It was just after nine in the evening. And still no Jack. He’d been gone since they woke up over ten hours ago. They had opposite sleep schedules. Colleen busied herself around his house. While it didn’t necessarily need it after her last cleaning, she tidied up the house. It was all so domesticated, and surprisingly, she loved it. Or maybe it was just being with Jack.

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