Page 27 of Devil's Due

“So, what are the options?”

Demon seems to have calmed. He presses his fingers against his temples, then pinches the bridge of his nose. “No brother here wants it. Thunder’s shown it doesn’t work if a man is forced into the role.”

“Got anyone in mind if it’s a bit of persuasion they need?”

“To be honest, no. No one’s ready.”

“Then that means looking at other chapters. Want me to ask around?”

Demon scoffs, “If someone has a good man, you think they’d want to lose them?”

I breathe in, then let out a sigh. “You’re acting defeated before we start. Could be a man wanting a change of scenery. Someone with a personal reason for wanting to get away. Until you ask, can’t know what’s possible.”

I’ve caught his interest.

“I’ll put out some feelers. I’m not some kid fresh off the block, Demon. Got connections I can use. Get information quietly.”

“I don’t want you to make any formal approach…”

“Not going to. Just think who could be suitable, then we’ll discuss what to do next.” After speaking, I sit back, and let him digest my proposal.

After a minute’s passed, he raises his chin. “You talk sense, Brother.”

“Nah, not so much. Just been doing some thinkin’. Sometimes an outsider is better placed to sort out a problem.”

“Drummer did right.”

My brow creases and I shake my head.

“Sending you here. I wasn’t certain, felt he thought I was a failure.”

“Nah, he doesn’t think that. You’re not a big chapter, Demon. Ain’t got many to choose from.”

“I don’t want this discussed at church. Not the reason why Drummer sent you.” He frowns, and I understand his position. He doesn’t want to appear weak.

It’s my turn to come clean. “Then we’ll go with the other truth. My personal reason for wanting to get away from Tucson. That should sound credible enough.” Having caught his interest, I carry on, “There’s a woman—”

“There always is,” he interrupts, huffing a laugh.

I grin quickly, then grow serious. “You know what Tucson’s like. Christ, hear the jokes about something in the water often enough. But yeah, the club has changed. Majority of brothers are no longer single, and most have kids. Wanted me some of that.”

“Can understand it.” His eyes stray to a photo on the side of the desk. His wife and child. “Nothing better than the right woman in your life.”

“Yeah, well, the woman I chose, or, who chose me to be honest, turns out she wasn’t the right one. But she had expectations when we got together and won’t believe I can’t meet them. Needed a break to get away. She thinks she can’t function on her own. My absence will show her she can. Or, if she really can’t, she’s got family she can go back to.”

He stares at me. His eyes grow wide, then narrow again. “You could have just told her to fuck off.”

Most men probably would have, but that’s not how I’m made. “Would say it like it is to any brother. Even you, Prez. But a bitch? Nah, they need gentler handling. Would it have been better to rip off the band-aid? I think this wound needs to be nurtured better than that.”

“Drummer know?”

“Is there anything he doesn’t?” I smile, again shaking my head. “Drum knows me, could see for himself this shit with Sal wasn’t right. Well, kinda gave it away when I lost my temper with Rock. Me coming here filled both our needs. Yeah, if I’d have stayed in Tucson, I’d have cut ties with Sal sooner rather than later, but she’s a woman who needs someone. While we’re keeping up this pretence, she doesn’t have to feel she’s completely alone.”

“You supporting her?”

“Don’t need to. She’s got money of her own. Her family’s still paying her an allowance, and she’s got money coming in from her ex.”

He looks surprised, but it’s clearly not something on the top of his agenda to be bothered about one way or another. He chuckles, then enlightens me, “And now you’ve bumped into someone else who, according to Pyro, is hot.”

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