Page 11 of Ghost

“Appreciate it, Crusher. Shakes and I never expected you to use the Ops’ marker to help Trey. But we won’t forget the gesture. Ever.”

“We told you why. Next to our dads, Shakes and you raised us. What we did doesn’t even come closetowhat the two of you did for us growing up. So not another word about it.” Dare nodded.

The meetingcontinued,and every man in the club agreed to give Ops their support. Since not all would be needed, Crusher lifted a paper off the table.

“The loyalty in this club has always heldstrong,and we had no doubt that everyone would step up, but like I said, we can’t leave our own territory unprotected. I spoke with the others beforeChurch,and we figured twenty would be enough to make the trip.”

Crusher read the names that he and the other officers had chosen to make the trip. Tank, Bull, Boss, Turk, Stem, and seven more were going to ride with Crusher, Jag, Devil, Flirt, Speed, Coast, Dare, and I.

“That is going a be a helluva trip to San Diego. You’re going to need to take a truck and trailer to haul extra parts and shit with you in case something happens along the way. Be glad to do it. No sense in you young brothers riding in a cage.” Roscoe looked at Crusher as he spoke and waited to see if Prez was going to nix his suggestion. Crusher gave nothing away in his expression as he looked down the table at the others who shrugged.

Me and every man in the room knew what was probably going through their minds and it had nothing to do with Roscoe’s age. He was one of the oldest membersofthe club, but he wasstrongand could still handle himself one-on-one if need be. Nope, what was going through the officers’ minds was did we want to turn the man loose on another club. With him along, the trip would be anything but dull.

“What the hell, it will be like taking granny from theBeverly Hillbilliesinto the city. But, Roscoe, those women aren’t like ours. I have a feeling they just as easily chew you up and spit you out than put up with your shit.”

“Ah, Prez. I ain’t met a woman who didn’t want a piece of Roscoe.” The whole room erupted in laughter. “You fuckers are just jealous.”

As we quieted, Crusher continued, “We pull out in two days, brothers. Meet at thecompound,and we’ll pack the trailer and truck and leave from there. We’ll take two days to get there. It will be a long ass ride, but we need to be there like yesterday. The sooner we help the Ops dispose of their problem, the sooner we get home. And I mean all of us will come home. Got me?”

We agreed with our prez, loudly. Crusher raised his hand,andthe room quieted.

“Since we’re here, we have some other business to discuss. Was going to hold off on it until the next Church, but no sense waiting. I’m going to turn this over to our VP. Jag, the floor is yours.”

“We know some of you have voiced that you wish therewasa gym in town. We know a lot of you use the small weight roomatthe clubhouse. And some of you have your own setup in your house or garage. The building that houses Yoga Sensual is coming up open because the yoga place is moving.”

I laughed when several of thebrothersmoaned.

“Don’t get your panties in a wad you pervs. They are only moving to the smaller section of the building. The big side has an open floor and would work great as a gym. If we open the membership to the locals, too, we think it could be very profitable. Especially after we spoke with Ghost about taking charge of it. He had a great suggestion. Ghost, why don’t you tell them your idea for the place,” Jag looked in my direction when he spoke.

Yesterday after Crusher finished with the phone call, we had finally gotten around to why they wanted meatthe clubhouse. To say I was honored that they thought of me would be an understatement. But after we looked at the blueprints of the space, it hit me what else would work there. Something the town didn’t offer and with a gym next to it would work even better. I cleared my throat and stood.

“The spaceis large enough that it could actually be split into two sections with the construction of a wall, which would enable us to create two businesses instead of one. The gym would operate one side, and a massage parlor the other.” I grinned at the ‘hell yeses’ that were shouted. “Alegitimatemassage parlor. The size of the space would allow for four rooms. We’d have to hire licensed masseuses, but don’t see that being a huge problem. The location of it with the gym would allow us to offer packages with the memberships. Add that a yoga studio would be on the other side, business should be good.”

“You mean no extra paid services on top of themassage?” Tank asked, and I looked over at him.

“Not if we want it to stay open considering the sheriff’s department is half a block away.” The men laughed,andwhen I sat, Flirt stood.

“I ran numbers on the gym side. Equipment, rent, membership fees, licenses. It would be more beneficial to buy the building for the long haul. I suggest we make an offer to purchase. We’ll have the rent from the yoga place and if by chance the gym tanks, not like we can’t put something else in there. As far as the massage parlor not making money, it will sustain itself. The gym side will start in the red because of thestart-upcost with the equipment purchases, but if the membership takes off, it won’t stay in the red long,” Flirt said and then looked to Crusher.

“Then it looks as if we are going to have two more enterprises unless anyone has something to add or a reason we shouldn’t go forward.” When no one spoke, he continued. “We’ll keep everyone updated on the progress. Now,Churchis over, open the damn bar.” Every member cheered. I had to agree, I definitely needed a drink.

After the chairs were put back in place, I moved to the bar and sat on a stool. Once my beer was sat down in front of me, I tipped it up for amuch neededdrink. I was going to see Luna in four days. Granted, I wished it was under better circumstances, but no way would I let that damper my thoughts of seeing her again. Touching her, kissing her, holding her again.

“I know where your head is, brother,” Flirt said and slapped me on the shoulder as he sat down beside me.

“Shit, is it that obvious?” I asked while I stared at the bottle in front of me.

“Nah. Only to me because I know how you think,” Flirt said, then took a drink of his own beer.

“True,” was my only reply.

“Since we have been to hell and back together, Ghost, I’m just going to come out and say it. You want her, bring her back with you, man. Don’t put it off,” Flirt said, but never turned his head to look at me.

“She’s been with the Ops and Lady Ridersa longtime.They’vebeen her family, Flirt. I just got her back in my life again. If I mess this up—”

“Might be, but I know you, Ghost. We’ve seen a lot, done a lot, and survived a lot together. I felt thelossof your family with you. Then you came back here with me, and I’ve watched you grieve and barely living. I often wonder if the man I met when we went through BUD/S together and then onto the same SEAL team would ever surface again. In this last month, I’ve started to see bits and pieces ofhimsurface, and I believe it is owed to Luna. The old you went after what he wanted. Is that man back?” Flirt waited while I pondered on what he said.

“I’m back, but she’s changed, Flirt. She’s more than the young girl I let down.” Flirt nodded and stood, and I looked up at him.

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