Page 90 of Scatter the Bones

“Thank you,” Rock says in the least thankful tone ever. “Since you’re so passionate about the subject, I nominate you for the party planning committee.”

Grinder’s mouth twists into a satisfied smirk. Old man’s really itching to have Rock take over as our national prez.

While they debate their plans for the party, my mind’s moving on to my meeting with Cain.

Once Rock ends church, I stay seated with some of the other officers. I lean over and tap the table to get Teller’s attention. “I’m going to bring my brother by the apartment later today, if that’s still all right with you?”

“Yeah.” He grabs a notepad from the center of the table and scratches down some numbers and hands it to me. “Top one will get you in downstairs. Bottom number into the apartment. If you have any issues, call me.”

“Thanks.” I glance at the numbers, then fold the paper and tuck it in my pocket.

“Is that it?” Rock asks.

“Um, no.” I pull the papers for the laundromat out. “I stopped by Sully’s gym this morning.”

Wrath’s mouth twists into a smirk. “My word wasn’t good enough?”

“Hey, good thing I went. He needed someone to watch the place for a few minutes so he could run home,” I say, sidestepping Wrath’s accusation.

“How are things out there?” Rock asks.

“Fine. Gym was slow but I was there early.” I unfold the papers and smooth my hand over the wrinkles. “I walked around after. Found a business for sale.”

I clear my throat. All eyes are focused on me. Not used to being the center of attention and can’t say I’m loving it. “Thought it could be a good investment for the club. Give us a foothold in that area.”

Rock raises two interested eyebrows and nods with approval. Z grins and taps his fist against his chest.

Teller, eager little beaver that he is, holds out his hand for the papers.

“It’s a laundromat,” I explain. “So, something I have experience running already.”

“Such an easy way to wash cash,” Teller mutters, flipping through the pages.

“Guy’s got some employees he wants to keep, so it hopefully wouldn’t stretch us too thin,” I explain.

Rock and Z share a look.

“Sounds like it might be the perfect business for both New York charters to go in on together,” Z says.

“Fuck yeah.” Hustler pumps his fist in the air. “Sounds good to me.”

Teller nods. “Me too.” He glances at me. “You sure you want to be responsible for it?”

“Responsible?”Don’t know if I care for that word. “I need to do something more productive than just hang out at my girlfriend’s and terrorize our support club.”

Z shakes with laughter. “You do more than that. You’re busy helping Rooster with our porn empire.” He cocks his head, like he’s daring me to make a snarky comment about his ex, Stella. “And keeping Stella the hell away from me.”

I press my palms together, like I’m praying to the magical sky daddy above. “Haven’t heard from her since the one-hundred-and-one-man fuckfest proposal.”

Everyone groans. Guess Upstate got filled in on all the dirty details at some point.

“Let’s hope it stays that way,” Rooster says.

Z glances at Hustler. “You’ve heard from her, right?”

Hustler shoots a glare at me, then Rooster. “Unfortunately. She’s plenty pissed we turned that idea down.”

“Tough shit,” Z snaps.

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