Page 45 of Jacob

He should’ve felt bad about it. He probably shouldn’t have called her a club whore. Maybe the next time he had the discussion, because it would come up again, he wouldn’t say that part. However, that seemed to be the most effective argument. It hit home and always shut down any protests.

Continuing to puff his cigarette, Jacob headed for his bike. The roar of laughter that tore through the night as he mounted his Harley drew his attention. His bald brother may be joining him in the motel after all. Even from this distance, in the dimly lit parking lot, it didn’t take a genius to know the two women were not thrilled with Dash’s response to what Jacob could only assume was Crystal relaying the conversation he’d just had with her.

Kicking his bike to life and twisting the throttle, Jacob couldn’t help but chuckle himself. It never ceased to amaze him when women thought men would choose them over their club loyalty. Did they really think Dash would be outraged by what Jacob had said? Did they expect him to come over there and set Jacob straight? He continued to laugh, shaking his head. Women.

Before he could hit the accelerator, his pocket vibrated, indicating the burner phone had a text for him.

He pulled it out to check.

Odin’s Fury: Prez call in 15.

Looks like he didn’t cock block Dash after all.

He tucked his phone back in the pocket of his cut before he tossed the butt of his cigarette away. Fifteen minutes before the call. He could tack on an extra five minutes of riding and still make it.

Those precious minutes on the bike, the long way, the extra rubber meeting the road may not be much, but he’d take all he could get. The heavy bike was perfect for the straight ride to the motel. He wouldn’t be able to really open her up, but he’d still get the feeling of wind. The power would still be beneath him. The motor would still roar around him, through him, and drown out his thoughts.

A lengthier ride was preferred but beggars couldn’t be choosers. He could take a long ass ride after the call. He could drown out the world and focus on the handling of the bike, the sound of the engine, and the freedom of riding after they talked to Monty. The club came first.

He parked beside the purple Road King, sharing the space with his sponsor’s bike. As he took off his helmet, he noted Dash had left the door to their room ajar and dismounted. By the time he entered the room, the older biker already had the phone to his ear and a lit cigarette hanging from his lip.

Closing the door behind him, Jacob agreed a smoke was in order and took out his own, lighting it quickly before flopping on the bed and kicking off his boots.

“Prez, Dash and Romeo putting you on speaker,” Dash informed before pulling the archaic flip phone from his ear and laying it on the nightstand. He held his cigarette between two fingers while flicking ashes into an old Styrofoam take-out food container.

“What’s the update?” their leader’s voice rasped from the other end.

The pair exchanged looks. “Bowie sent a bunch on a run right as we got here,” the bald biker said as his free hand curled around the short length of his blond beard.

“Legit businesses’ books look all right, but they do drops on-premises,” Jacob added, earning him a curious look from his club brother.

A groan came through the phone on the other end. “How did he get so fucking stupid?”

“Think it just got away from him,” Dash offered. “Talked to their newest guy, the tattoo artist. Says Bowie leans on the VP a lot.”

Monty grumbled on the other end.

“They got some good members.” Dash met Jacob’s eyes as he spoke. “It’s not a lost cause, Prez. It’s just like cancer. We gotta give him time. He’s still working.”

The younger biker pulled a deep drag from his cigarette before he exhaled and ashed into the same carton his brother had. He studied the man opposite him. The concern twisting his features, the stress creased at the corners of his eyes, and the way he tugged at his beard while he brought his cigarette back to his lips. He wanted diplomacy. He wanted to keep staying the course of the peaceful takeover.

The heavy sigh on the other end didn’t sound positive. “Time,” Monty grumbled. “How much time we talking?”

“Other chapters have been coming here?” Jacob asked, joining the conversation. This didn’t have to just be a conversation between Dash and Monty, he was on this run too. He had something to contribute. He may not be an officer yet, but he’d never make it there if he didn’t take a chance every once in a while.

“Yeah.”

“Maybe it should be brought to the table. See what they think,” the younger biker suggested as he held his sponsor’s gaze.Shit. Had he overstepped?

“It’s a club decision,” Dash concurred. “Not a national decision, right?”

More rumbles on the other end of the shitty phone. Jacob couldn’t tell if they were grunts, grumbles, or muttering to someone else. “Yeah, we should put it to a vote,” his tone was none-too-pleased. “Good call, Romeo,” the president said, using Jacob’s road name. “Let me start calling. You two get your shit. Come home.”

Chapter 26

Sparrow

Tomorrow. Tomorrow. Tomorrow. She could put the books away tomorrow. The flashcards would be gone tomorrow. Highlighters were gone tomorrow. Everything would be done tomorrow. Nine A.M. tomorrow was the entrance exam for Eastern Gateway Community College.

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