Page 16 of Property of Thrasher
“Alright. We’ve had a good run lately. No heat, no blood. I’d like to keep it that way. Hotel is a new opportunity. A good one, but only if we keep it that way. Anyone screws up, gets lazy, it becomes a liability.”
Everyone nodded once again.
“Last thing,” I said looking to Pinky, “Did your nickel. Been out a few weeks.”
He grinned his toothless smile, “yeah, Prez.”
“You ready to get your hands dirty or you want to stay clear for a while? Your PO ain’t a bad dude but he’s made it clear we have to keep you out of the papers and he’s willin’ to turn the other way.”
“Fuck yeah, been waitin’ five years to be back in the mix.” His voice was full of excitement. “Name it, brother. I’m in.”
“Good, Tiny will loop you in on rotation for collections.”
With a proud smirk, I told the group, “speakin’ of bein’ free, time for a homecomin’ party. This Saturday, everyone present. We celebrate Pinky and let him feel what it is to be a free King back home.”
Everyone gave a quick “aye,” or a nod in appreciation and agreement with a few men giving Pinky a slap on the back or squeeze of the shoulder.
I gave the gavel one last rap, “dismissed.
Chairs scraped against the floor, boots thudding as brothers moved about the space. I stayed seated a moment longer than the rest watching the world around me. My family.
We weren’t just a club.
We weren’t just family.
We were a fucking empire built in blood, steel, and smoke.
And now with bed sheets and key cards apparently.
I bit back my laugh. We would make this work. One way or another. We always did.
4
THRASHER
Tiny found me in my office at the garage the next day. I had been reviewing the rotation sheets as he stomped up the steps and into my space. The pacing of his movements weren’t hurried or annoyed, just a man unaware of his size. His giant status amplified the sound of every move he made. As he stood in front of me I didn’t know what he was about to say. The look on his face was a mix of annoyed and entertained.
“Pinky’s already givin’ Crank shit about uniform colors for the desk staff,” he shared with a smirk.
“Colors are simple, black, teal, and beige. Kings all day every day,“ I replied like this was common sense because it should be. We don’t do anything outside of our colors.
“Same shit I said. You know Pinky, he likes to get a rile out of everyone. Only I told his ass if he wants them in blazers, he can kiss my ass. Gotta draw the line somewhere.”
I laughed out loud imagining some of the club whores dressed professionally. “Fuck, tell him to print name tags while he’s at it. Make sure they say, I’m here to clean up bodily fluids and bad decisions. Anyone staying at the Velvet is making poor choices to begin with.”
He mock grabbed at his chest, “what the Hell! I have a dignified establishment.”
“Bullshit.” I shook my head, “but we will make it better than it’s been for sure.”
“Ain’t nothing the Kings touch that doesn’t come out better for it.” He added and I nodded.
“Turning this shithole around is gonna be our best success yet.”
We both laughed, Tiny snorted. “You got a minute, Prez?” He changed his tone to something a little more focused.
I nodded. “Brother, always got time for you.” I extended my hand inviting him to sit in the chair across from my beat up old desk. Tiny never asked for shit. Him wanting my undivided attention, something serious was brewing in his head.
“You serious about the bunnies workin’ the hotel? Guys are for it, but I think they like the view more than the actual work that needs to be done,” he shook his head. “Cuz this shit could go sideways real quick.”
