Page 36 of Flame's Fight

Dante scowls at me, so I hold my hands up. “I’m not saying we don’t get his input. But if we think the clinic is a good idea on its own merit, then why not look at the building and get started on fleshing out the idea?”

Scar’s nodding as he glances at Dante. “Flame’s right. We already discussed the possibility of building a clinic. We don’t really need Chambers. But if he’s being honest and really wants to do this with Caitlin, we’ll still want to be involved.”

Dante nods. “You’re right. Let’s move forward. But I’m pulling Chambers aside to talk to him about this project before we bring Tally into it. I want to make it clear to Chambers what will happen to him if he screws over this chance with Tally and Caitlin.” He looks at Byte. “See if Maestro can get us into the building.”

Byte nods.

“One last note.” Scar says, glancing at me. “Caitlin is considering asking Officer Wagstaffe to either run security at Crossroads or at least take a job there. She said he was a tremendous help to Lenora Matthews.”

I nod. “He would be good. Not sure if he’s ready to quit the force yet, but he may be close to retirement.”

“May be closer than we think.” Shield says, ominously. “Brooke needs to the police station today to press charges against that bastard and give the detective in charge of the case a statement.” Shield sighs. “I have to warn you and her that the guy is a bastard.” Shield says. “He’s the type who thinks all women are liars and that they cry rape to get the guy in trouble. He also isn’t a fan of our club.” Glancing at Chaos, he continues. “Detective Billings.”

“Asshole.” Chaos moans. “He’s the bastard who tried to arrest me for murdering Debbie.” Chaos chuckles. “Although Evie wouldn’t mind a chance to face off against him again.”

“Why the fuck did they give the case to him?” I ask, horrified on Brooke’s behalf.

Shield shrugs. “His name came up. But I also think this might be a test by his commanding officer. I don’t like that he’s using Brooke this way, but I think he believes she’s made of sterner stuff than other victims. That and she has the backing of her father. It might not be a bad idea to have Evie on speed dial, in case she needs her.”

I glance at Chaos, who nods. “I’ll let Evie know. She hasn’t eviscerated a cop lately. I’m sure she’d love the opportunity, especially him.”

We chuckle at that as I try not to let myself worry about Brooke. I know she’s strong, but yesterday was a nightmare, one that would break most people. She needs to know that the club is behind her.

“Can we do a background check on Tony Younger?” I ask Byte. “I find it hard to believe that this was his first kidnapping attempt.”

“Good point.” Shield nods. “He didn’t kidnap her on a whim. And the way he evaded Ghost and Tanya seems planned rather than a lucky maneuver.”

“I’ll get on it right after the meeting. If I don’t have information before Brooke goes to the station, I’ll get it to Evie. She’ll be able to push her way into the interview. Just tell Brooke that if someone asks her if she has a lawyer, to say yes.”

I nod.

“One more thing before we end.” Dante says. “While you were in the hospital, we offered Pete a chance to take over the management of Styx. Temporarily. He proved his worth driving the truck to Chicago after he helped rescue our women. He isn’t interested in prospecting, but he jumped at a chance to work for us. I thought Styx was a good option since I knew Reaper and Ghost would want to take turns guarding your back.”

“How is he doing?” I ask.

“Good.” Feral responds. “He’s been learning both sides of the business, taking up the slack when either Reaper or Ghost aren’t there.”

“That’s good, because I want to look into starting a new club business.” Reaper says before telling everyone about his idea for a shooting range. “I’m still working the numbers with Penny, but so far, they look good.”

“He has some solid ideas about advertising and drawing in fresh blood.” Penny says. “Most of the gun ranges around here cater mostly to men. Reaper wants to draw in more women.”

“Ashlyn gave me the idea. She wants to learn how to shoot and even get a license to carry. Especially after what happened in Vegas. It made me think that women who come to Crossroads might want to learn. We could make it a members-only club, like what we did with Lucifer’s Den.” Reaper continues. “But even if we don’t go the member-only path, I want to make sure that the women who come feel welcome. Some guys get their egos twisted where women are involved, especially in a hobby that is dominated by men. We could go with one or two days a week where it is women only, but I’d rather have rules in place that let us boot the offenders.”

Dante nods. “Get the numbers together as well as plan and distribute it to the members so we can vote on it. Who would work with you on this?”

“I was thinking Laser could assist.” Reaper says. “He and I have spoken about this project, and he’s excited.”

“Ok.” Dante nods. “Anything else?”

“I have an uncle who owns a dojo out near Clairemont. He claims the business does well, and he’s mentioned expanding. This made me think about building our own dojo, or partnering with him. I haven’t mentioned it to him yet. Wanted to bring it up here first. I haven’t even run the numbers.” Ghost says.

Dante nods. “Look into it, get with Penny. I like that idea. It’s another self-defense option for the residents of Crossroads.”

Their suggestions have me thinking about what I could do to help the club bring in more money and maybe help Crossroads at the same time. I’m considering a few ideas when Dante ends Church.

Shield walks out with me as we go in search of Brooke to tell her the bad news. What we see waiting for us in the common room makes us all stop in our tracks.

CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO: BROOKE

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