Page 75 of Salute, To Bravery
“Manny! Ezra’s a putz,” came the immediate reply.
A third man added from the clubhouse entrance, “I heard that asshole.”
Even though he was taking part in the shouting match, his eyes were on us. I saw his reaction to Tempest and Reaper andhid a smile. The devil had more chance than he did of getting in their pants.
“You were meant to,” Mac replied in a sing-song voice.
“Will fuckin’ Huey, Duey, and Louie shut the fuck up. We got guests!” Axel bellowed, and Tempest turned to me with a what the hell stare. I wasn’t far behind her.
“Oh, goodie,” Drake muttered sarcastically. “Now we’re reduced to childhood taunts. Let them fight it out. If Ezra grills, I hope you like your spices. If it’s Manny, be prepared for everything to be dipped in barbecue sauce.”
“I’ll fuckin’ grill,” a fourth man entered the argument, and Drake looked beleaguered.
“Lowrider!” Drake snarled before turning with an apology on his face. “I’d say these assholes ain’t usually like this, but I would be lying. Come to the clubhouse, we’ll grab drinks and chat.”
With a nod, I followed Drake, my brothers and sisters falling in together behind me.
Rage’s clubhouse was what we expected: cream walls, posters, and pictures, a bar, pool table, darts board, and scruffy furniture. The one thing I immediately noticed was it was tidy. Despite being old and scuffed, the furniture was well-maintained and clean. There were more brothers either sitting or standing, and some had scantily clad women on their laps. Everybody looked up and stared as we entered.
“These bitches are ranked Fallen Warrior sisters, they’re not whores, and you’ll keep your bastard hands to yourselves,” Axel stated.
Tempest snickered while Reaper held her blank gaze. That in itself was more than off-putting.
“Now we’re bitches,” Reaper murmured.
Axel looked mortified and then shrugged. “Always gonna put my foot in it.”
“Ain’t that so,” Texas replied.
“Church is this way,” Drake announced, and I stopped in my tracks. Drake peered over his shoulder and frowned.
“We aren’t looking to merge or join with you,” I stated, ignoring the rest of Rage watching us.
“Who said that’s what we are offering?” Drake asked, turning.
“Inviting us into your church. Church is for club members only,” I replied.
“Yeah. Unless we’re holding a meeting with another club, and church is the only place to discuss shit without being overheard. I trust my brothers, but we’ve club sluts in and out all the time. Ain’t talking business when one of them might be spying,” Drake answered.
“Good point,” Bat responded and sent me a quelling stare, telling me to loosen up.
Drake opened a door, and we entered another room. A huge wooden table with the Rage patch carved into the centre dominated it.
“Sit anywhere,” Drake said, and I took the chair opposite him. My family closed in around me.
“So, what is today about?” I asked.
“Allies. I had Mac do some research, it seems you were telling the truth. Each of you is ex-armed forces or rather, you’re retired vets. And most of your shit is redacted, makes a man think you’d be valuable allies.”
“Medically discharged and with honour,” I stated. That made a difference. We hadn’t suffered dishonourable discharges.
“Yeah. And you are all amputees,” Drake said.
“Got a point?” Raddock demanded.
“No, dude. Thank you for your service and sacrifice, all of you. The fact you’re all medically retired means one thing, you understand honour,” Drake continued.
“Yes,” I replied.
