Page 96 of Hell & Back

“My brother picked me up when I was released and took me to get my bike out of storage.”

“Shit. Wish you would have told us. We would have come for you,” Maverick told him again.

Tinker shrugged a shoulder as if it were no big deal. “Where are all the brothers? Surely, this isn’t everyone?”

“No. The club has been dealing with the Phantom Furies in Taos. The rest of them should be here anytime.” Maverick wasn’t very forthcoming in Tinker’s opinion. As VP he was once privy to all the goings on inside the club. Now he was like a stranger on the outside looking in. He hated it.

“Taos? New Mexico?”

“Yeah. We went down there to deal with it and me, Lance and Chris came back early while the rest of them finished up what needed to be done.”

Maverick was the same closed off son of a bitch he’d always been. He always held everything close to his vest, including his fondness for whores back in the day. He wondered if Mav’s old lady knew about that?

“How many of the brothers from before are still here? Anyone I’m gonna recognize?” Tinker waved his empty bottle at the prospect.

“Yes.” Maverick nodded his head. “Dagger’s still here. Race, of course, Tulsa, Jed.”

He accepted the fresh beer and he didnotthank the prospect for it. He took a drink, then asked, “What about Monk? He still in charge?”

“No. You didn’t hear? Monk was shot at that last drug deal. He didn’t make it.”

No. He hadn’t heard. Who would have told him? It wasn’t like he had any visitors. “Damn. I can’t believe Monk’s gone.” His attention was pulled to the side as Jane approached Maverick. The other women headed for the hall, probably to the kitchen.

“Would you guys like something to eat? We’re going to make sandwiches for everyone.”

“Yeah, babe. That would be nice.”

Ha! He called it. They were going to the kitchen. Watching her walk away, Tinker had to admit, she still had a fine ass on her. He wasn’t surprised to see Maverick’s earlier friendly demeanor had changed to one of aggravation.

“Sorry. She’s still go a nice ass.”

“Yes, she does and you will keep your hands and comments to yourself.”

Tinker was feeling ornery. “Or what?”

“Or I’ll kick your ass.” Maverick’s smile wasn’t nearly as warm as it was earlier. As a matter of fact, it was downright frosty. He smiled and paused with his beer halfway to his mouth, seeing the truth in Maverick’s eyes. The man would most definitely kick his ass if he tried anything with Jane.

Tinker decided to defuse the situation. He hadn’t planned on starting any shit the first day he got back. He laughed. “I would never go there, brother. I don’t do married women. I prefer unattached whores. Tell me, Mav,” he couldn’t help himself and asked, “you still like both?” Before Maverick could react, Tinker hollered at the prospect. “Prospect! Bring us a couple of shots of tequila. You still like tequila, right?”

Maverick must have decided to let his comment slide. “Yeah. I still like tequila.”

“So, Monk’s gone. Who’s in charge?” Tinker accepted the shot and tossed it back.

Maverick tossed his back then replied, “Race is president.”

“Huh. Imagine that. Race Walker is in charge now.” He shook his head. That news burned a little.

“Yeah, and Dagger’s his VP.”

“Well, damn. What about Cletus?” He was the enforcer before Tinker went away.

“He quit the club after Race got voted in. He didn’t like the direction Race wanted to take the club. He got a hold of some bad shit and OD’d. Jed’s the enforcer now.” Maverick could watch him as closely as he wanted and he wouldn’t get a reaction out of Tinker. He’d learned the hard way a long time ago how to hide what he was feeling.

Maverick took a drink. “Big John and Little Bobby left, too. They ended up in California doing construction.”

Well son of a bitch. All his old allies were gone. It would have been nice to have their help shaking things up in the club.

“Where are the whores? I was hoping to get my dick wet now that I’m home. You know, it’s been ten years.”

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