Page 46 of Soul

“I asked you to come. Warden’s Prez, and he was so out of order it’s not funny.”

“Soul, he treated me like… It was disrespectful and cruel. I didn’t like it and won’t put up with it. Whether I stay or leave has nothing to do with you or him. My children come first and considering he found out he is going to be a father, I think he’d understand that. I feel very sorry for his kids,” Bryony said.

I winced. There didn’t seem to be much of a chance convincing Bryony that Warden wasn’t bad. He was just loyal and wanted the best for his brothers and sister. And Warden would do what he needed to ensure our safety.

“Can we agree to disagree? Don’t judge Warden on today. Please?” I asked.

“I don’t owe your club a thing. Don’t push me, Soul, because you won’t like what happens. I was threatened, and that’s upset me. At least you apologised. Somehow, I don’t think he will.”

I couldn’t say anything to that and decided to stay quiet.

A day later

I was riding into town when I saw smoke. Thick, black smoke, which meant there was a fire somewhere. Changing lanes, I headed in the direction and began to get alarmed when I realised I was heading into the shopping area.

A few moments later, I leapt off my bike and gaped as I stared at what had been the club’s laundrette. I didn’t see any of my brothers around and whipped my phone out.

“Soul?” Warden sounded half asleep. He probably was, as it was only seven thirty in the morning.

“The laundrette is burning. Fire is here with ambo, and I’m not sure if anybody is inside. I’m unsure where Veep is!” my voice rose in alarm.

Undertaker ran the laundrette, and I didn’t know if he was in there. Warden didn’t say a word but hung up.

Spotting the fire chief, I headed over. “Is anyone inside?” I asked.

“What’s it to you?” the Chief questioned.

“My club owns it. We’re searching for the manager now,” I replied.

“Nobody’s in there. If you’re looking for a missing brother, he’s not there.”

My shoulders relaxed as my phone rang. I answered without checking.

“I’m okay. On my way, keep an eye out,” Undertaker said and cut the call. Short but sweet.

“That the boss?” the chief asked.

“Yeah.”

“Good, we need to speak to him.”

“Something wrong, Chief?”

“Son, there’s a shitload off. The fire burned too hot, too quickly.”

“Arson,” I surmised, realising what he was saying.

“Sure as hell looks that way. You boys pissed somebody off?”

“My brothers and sisterspisspeople off just by wearing a cut,” I replied.

“That’s true. Stay back now,” he ordered.

“The guy you want is Undertaker. He’ll be here shortly,” I called over my shoulder as I headed for my bike. I’d seen the little bastard.

As my ass touched the seat, I shoved in my earpiece and rode sedately out. The fucker in front of me peeled as soon as I went in his direction, and once clear, I hit the throttle.

“Soul?” Warden answered.

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