Page 57 of Death's Deal

Chapter 31

This thing has becomebigger than all of us.

Riding down the PCH toward Humble, I feel numb and annoyed that not only my balls are in a vise, but all of those from the other clubs who have had our backs. My phone has buzzed no less than ten times and I’ve avoided its constant reminder that our decision sucks. Thankfully, the ride to Humble has been silent, leaving me to stew in my own hatred.

Less than a week had passed before we’d been set upon this path. Back then I was stressing on how to pull us out of the hole because of Jaz’s mounting hospital bills. Now? My sister is about to become an unwilling party to a disaster we can’t avoid. No clubs, no homes for our members and their families if she keeps her freedom. Everything will be gone. Everyone will be behind bars or in foster homes.

For the cost of my sister’s hatred, is it worth it?

Pulling past the back lot, finding it filled with no less than five full-sized, blacked-out, government regulation SUVs, I know the inevitability of this is upon us. Rounding the building, parking my bike against the curb at the front doors, backing it into my usual spot, and killing the engine, I pause.

Taking a moment to slow my betraying heart, the disgust in my own actions is causing me to question all reason. I don’t want to betray my sister, but can I condemn everyone else, including the son I haven’t had the chance to know? Playing with a loose cuticle on my thumb, I’m doing everything I sanely can to avoid the future I don’t want.

“If you don’t get off the bike, it doesn’t change the outcome, Quinny. If you ride away, the government will choose for you. If you go inside you’ve chosen,” Toni’s soft voice rents the air.

“I’m not sure I can do this.”

She turns my face to meet hers. “It’s not that you must decide. The clubs did. You just don’t like the choice that was made.”

She’s right. We did decide. I had not voiced the outcome yet. I knew if I said it aloud it would be set in stone. “I don’t want to,” I state plainly, feeling the pit in my stomach growing larger and larger.

“No, you don’t. But you will.” Laying a kiss on my lips tenderly, quick and caring, she adds, “Sometimes it sucks being the king of it all.” Ain’t that the truth. As the rumble of distant bikes can be heard approaching the corner of Humble, Toni smiles. “It’s time to get it over with, Death.”

When Busta’s and Cap’s bikes come into view, followed by Boyd’s peeking around the corner, I agree with a nod. As I place the kickstand down and help Toni dismount, each park, backing in beside me. Shutting down their rides, along with Piper in tow, they have the same sullen look that says more than words can. It’s undeniable. The facts were laid out, the votes were tallied, and we’re now at the precipice of a life-altering decision.

“The rest are parking out back. They’ll meet us inside,” Busta states simply without feeling or care. It’s like his will to care has been stripped of him.

The five of us stand here, quiet, introspective to the facts, and considering our future as clubs. None of us speak, but the silence speaks volumes. This has broken us more than the war with Murianos ever did. It could destroy the clubs by the mere fact our creed of “family first” has been tested.

Speaking up, Cap sucks a mouthful of air between his teeth, and rolls his eyes as he and Piper start for the front entrance. “I guess it’s time to go.”

Busta looks to the stairs, sighs, and follows along grudgingly without a word.

Turning toward Toni, who gives me the weakest of smiles, it’s half-hearted. She’s carrying the same trepidations I am. I know this is wrong, but we don’t have what I think is a right path either. As she steps toward the railing, taking the first two steps away from me with her hand out, looking for me to follow, she notices I’ve paused. Reaching into my saddlebag, pulling free the Queen’s book, I hand it to her. “Give me a moment.” With a smile, Toni takes it and nods before ascending the stairs.

As her form descends into the darkness of Humble, I stand considering if there are any other legal loopholes I’ve missed. I can’t say I believe in the others, but believe they’ve exhausted every option that could kick us free of the blowback. Well, at least every option that won’t put us in a world of hurt.

Leaning against my ride, contemplating what I know I shouldn’t, I decide the devil someone else fears may be my only option.

I pulled free my phone. “Fuck me.” Staring at that tiny seven digit number once more, the pang in my heart tightens further. Should I? I mean, even considering this option I should have my head examined because it’s a horrible idea.

Cursing low, I do what I know I should not. Dialling, the call connects, “Hello.”

“Yeah,” I answer.

I swear they’re grinning like a Cheshire cat ready to eat a canary.

The line is quiet as if they’re waiting for me to make my request. Fine. I guess if I’ve gone this far now, I can’t stop. “I need that help now.”

With a heavy breath and an audible smile, she states, “Give me the information. I’ll have it done.”

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