Page 34 of Rogue

It’s true. The justice for our members that we could find we found.

“And if, God forbid, any of you are killed, the whole MC will ride to take revenge,” I continue. “I promise you that. It’s not a hard promise to make.”

“We were harmed,” Widow says. “Our families were slaughtered. And we know who did it. So let’s ride.”

I shake my head and am about to speak, but it’s Judge who stand and faces Widow.

“None of us joined this club for vengeance,” he says and many nod to his words. “We joined to seek justice. And that’s what Rogue did. He brought Angel’s killer to justice. I don’t have a problem with that. How can any of you?”

Widow is in no hurry to answer.

“I already got my justice,” Minx says and I appreciate her support. “With Rogue’s help, I found the man who kidnapped my child. That man is now serving two life sentences.”

One for the kidnapping and one for killing her child. But she still can’t talk about that part.

Several others stand up and say similar things. Many of our members came to us seeking justice and stayed after we helped them get it. Some stayed because their problem couldn’t be solved and are still waiting.

Tito, Widow and Whip know where I stand on their problem and how little justice I see in solving it. But I won’t call them outon it in front of everyone. At least they seem to be settling down, now that they see they’re outnumbered. But the look in their eyes as they watch me is far from cowed or complacent.

The door behind their backs opens and Melody looks in, the expression on her face part surprise part fear as she sees all of us gathered here. I bet she’s only seeing pure joy on mine. She came. I left instructions with the prospect watching the gate to let her right in, just on the off-chance that she would. And she did.

I wave to her and signal that I’ll be right with her as best I can. She nods and walks all the way in, choosing to stand right next to angry Angel from my vision. Which makes her even angrier. But it makes her fade too.

“Oh, nice,” Tito scoffs, following my gaze. “The Devil’s Nightmare MC girl’s here. I guess that’s our cue for all of us to shut up and clear off.”

I can practically hear Melody’s shocked gasp, even though she’s all the way across the room from me. That’s how evident it is on her face.

“You know what, Tito, I’d prefer it if you’d shut up a while back,” I snap. And that’s bloody murder on Tito’s face as he turns to face me.

Which I suppose is what makes Alice leap to her feet and come stand next to me. Blade comes closer too. As if I can’t handle Tito and another five like him any day of the week.

“We’re only as strong as we are united,” Alice says. “And we can only do what we do best if we are untied.”

I lay a hand on her shoulder and step in front of her. “Tito and his family keep asking the same question because they don’t like the answer they’re getting. So, I’ll answer one last time and that will be the end of it. I am sorry for the loss of your father and the rest of your MC brothers. I feel your pain. But Rogue Angels MC will not be stepping into the middle of the drug turf war thatclaimed their lives. We’ve spent too many years hunting down men and women who do what your old club did. And that’s final. Anyone who doesn’t see it that way knows where the door is.”

“Gabriel, no,” Alice whispers. But I’m done being cautious and calculating. That’s not my nature. And it’s not what I sand for. Plus, I’m done with Tito jumping down my throat every chance he gets.

He’s glaring at me and I’m glaring right back. And this could very well come to blows or worse. The air is electric with that threat.

But he’s not the first angry killer I’ve faced and defeated. And he won’t be the last.

He looks away first, scoffing as he does. But there’s no hiding the fact that he’s backing down.

“We’re leaving,” he tells his mom and brother. “We’re sick of your empty words and fake holiness anyway. Anyone who agrees is welcome to ride with us.”

Then he storms through the crowd, elbowing everyone who doesn’t get out of his way fast enough. Widow and Whip follow him through the door that leads to the bedrooms upstairs. But they’re the only ones. Thank God.

“I’m gonna end this Assembly now,” I say. “But if anyone wants to talk, my door’s always open.”

Except later tonight, if that gleam in Melody’s eyes is anything to go by. Even angry Angel next to her doesn’t look so angry anymore.

No one has anything more to say and they start disbanding.

“We should talk,” Alice says.

“Later,” I say, already on my way to Melody.

By the time I reach her, the Angel from my vision is gone. And I’m sure that means something. But looking into Melody’s eyes makes it hard to think about that.

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