Page 35 of Matrix

“We’ll know more when we meet them. Speculating is pointless. We’ll be able to handle whatever we find once we’re there. Remember what Scar said, we’re guests. Let Acid take the lead. He’s the club pres in Denver, so he has authority there.”

“How does that work within the hierarchy? Wouldn’t Scar be above him since he’s the president of the founder’s chapter?”

“No. Each pres is the ultimate authority in their area. The club pres’ are all equals, even Scar.”

“Interesting. I thought he’d be the head of everything.”

“Our structure isn’t about hierarchies. Sure, within each club, there’s a difference between a fully patched member, a prospect, and an associate or friend of the club, but once you’re patched, everyone’s equal. When we visit another chapter, we’re well-respected, but we don’t have any authority over that chapter.”

“I see.”

“When we get to the clubhouse, let me talk. I know all the unspoken rules. Follow my lead. Acid and I got along great the last time I saw him. I don’t think we’ll have any issues gaining access to the kidnappers.”

I keep a close eye on the map because it’s easy to miss the dirt turnoff, especially since we’re arriving in the middle of the night. There aren’t any streetlights in the mountains, so I’ve got to stay alert. I spot the Underground Vengeance symbol on a wooden post tucked back from the road. Anyone who wasn’t looking for it would miss it. I’m glad I found it on the first pass.

Pulling off the road, I drive onto the paved parking area that spans the length of the long, single-story clubhouse. In addition to the main living space, the club has a large barn, which I’ve never been invited into. There’s also a greenhouse and a big shed for tools. During their parties, a patched member mans the grill in the gazebo next to the house. I ate my fill of steak the last time I was here, and damn, it was tasty. Man, I wish we were coming for a party and not a funeral.

“We’re here.” I open the door and jog around to Daisy’s side to help her out.

“This is their clubhouse?” She eyes the very nondescript wood building, clearly not impressed.

“It doesn’t look like much from the outside, but you’ll see.” I grin.

“Lead the way.”

I rest my hand on the small of her back as we walk up to the front door, which opens before I can knock. The name on the club member’s patch is Moose. He’s the club’s sergeant at arms and he looks like the animal he’s nicknamed after. The guy’s six foot five with a long nose and thin face. One of the girls said he looked like a giraffe and Adrien Brody fucked and made a hot kid. I don’t rate guys, but he got plenty of pussy during that party, so the chick must’ve been right.

“Matrix! I heard you were coming by.” Moose pulls me into an embrace and slaps my back hard enough to knock the wind out of me.

“Long time no see, brother.”

“No shit! How the hell have you been? How’s Scar?”

“Good. He’s married now.”

“I heard. Sorry we couldn’t make it to the wedding. We had some shit go down at the club that had to be dealt with.”

“Understood. Is everything good now?”

“Peachy. And speaking of peaches, who’s this fine woman?”

“This is Daisy, my old lady.” I don’t know how I manage to get the words past my lips without biting my tongue off. The thought of being tied down to one woman is about as appealing as being stabbed under my fingernails with tiny needles.

“Hello.” She flashes a smile so enchanting it leaves me bristling. She shouldn’t be looking at other guys like that. Even though she’s not really mine, it pisses me off to see her being so flirty with him.

“Can I get you a drink?” Moose asks her.

“No, thank you. Did you capture the kidnappers?”

“Yeah. Piece of cake. Fucking idiots didn’t even see us coming. We only had to shoot one out of three. We’ve got the other two over in the barn. They’re having a little chat with Acid and Fender.”

“I need to talk to them.” Daisy’s tone is too demanding. She needs to tone it down and remember who’s in charge here. It’s not us.

Moose raises a brow before looking at me. “Stay put while I talk to Acid.”

“Will do.” When Daisy starts after him, I grab her arm. “Stop, babe. Remember what I told you, we’re guests here. Don’t push it. They don’t have any obligation to keep either of us alive. We’ll get some leeway since I’m a patched member of Underground Vengeance, but Acid knows you’re a Fed. He won’t hesitate to find a reason to kill you.”

“Ugh!” she huffs and crosses her arms.

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