Page 42 of Scatter the Bones

Eazy frowns. “That don’t seem right, since you’re the one doin’ all the…” He waves his fingers like he’s casting a spell. “Investing wizardry.”

“Great.” Z claps his hands. “When Rock gets promoted to national prez, you’ll be the first one I nominate to be on the committee to change the bylaws.”

Everyone chuckles. Even Rock.

“Whoa.” Rav throws out his arms, waving like he’s guiding a 747 in for a landing. “Rock, you’re not threatening to gut him for suggesting you’ll be national prez?”

Grinder’s normally grumpy mug twists into something closer to savage pride. “Someone must be making peace with his upcoming promotion.”

“Knock it off,” Rock growls. “I’m not making peace with shit. Priest isn’t retiring any time soon.”

“That we know of,” Wrath says.

“Yet,” Dex adds, not missing a beat.

Z raps his knuckles on the table, dragging our focus away from Rock. “Any other questions?”

I’m itching to ask how large our bonuses will be. Enough to buy a new car? Or enough to buy a tank of gas for my current vehicle? Some details would be nice. But I’m not eager to prolong church today to satisfy my curiosity.

When no one bites, Rock turns toward Wrath. “How do you want to handle Whisper’s funeral?”

Wrath leans back, brow furrowed. “I’ve been thinking about this a lot.”

“I thought I smelled smoke,” Murphy mutters.

Teller elbows him in the ribs.

Ignoring their antics, Wrath continues. “Wolf Knights were friends of the club for years. At least a few of us need to be there to pay our respects.” He thumps his palm against his chest. “As much as I didn’t get along with Whisper in the end, I need to be there to remind the Wolf Knights their visit has an expiration date.”

“Fuck yeah, it does,” Z mutters.

“But,” Wrath continues, “We need to walk a fine line between showing our respect and whipping out our dicks to remind the Wolf Knights that Lost Kings run Slater County now.”

“Agreed,” Rock says. “Too many Kings prowling around could be interpreted as disrespectful.”

Wrath’s gaze narrows on Rock. “Youneed to be there.”

Rock slides a slow, sarcastic eye roll Wrath’s way. “I didn’t say otherwise.”

“I’m sitting it out,” Z says.

“Same,” Grinder adds. “Iknewof Whisper back in the day but only met him a couple times.”

Dex lifts his hand. “I’ll be there. Vapor’s planning to stop by too. At least for a few minutes.”

“Makes sense.” Wrath nods.

Bricks glances at Wrath, then Dex. “I’ll hold things down at CB. I knew Whisper but notthatwell.”

“I’m with Bricks,” Ravage adds.

“Sparky, we all know how you feel about funerals,” Wrath says. “You can stay home.”

“Thanks, big guy.” Sparky bobs his head up and down, then mutters, “Wasn’t planning to tangle with those dark spirits.”

Teller nods to Wrath. “Charlotte and I have to be there.”

Wrath flashes a crooked grin Murphy’s way. “Whisper hated your ass, so you’re free to stay home.”

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