Page 32 of Inglorious
“Slim?” she gasped.
“Mark was my brother, or Slim, as you knew him. I’m Chuck, and younger by two years. I was away when he died. By the time I got home, everything was done and dusted,” Chuck explained.
“How can I help?” Nanci said, visibly recovering.
“You’ve had Slim’s things here. I want them if you still have them.”
“Not a problem, but I haven’t packed up Slim’s belongings,” Nanci murmured. Her expression twisted as she admitted that.There was guilt there that Nanci hadn’t got Slim’s possessions ready for his family.
“Don’t worry. I’ll go through them and choose what I want. The rest can be donated to charity,” Chuck said.
“Come, I’ll take you to Slim’s room,” Nanci offered.
“Babe, let me,” Vortex interjected.
“Nope, I’m president, it’s my duty,” Nanci stated, even though she was pale.
Chuck looked surprised. “You’re president? Thought a dude called Inglorious was.”
“He’s not currently. Inglorious might be again, but for now it’s me,” Nanci replied. “We’re also recruiting Legacies.”
“What’s a Legacy?” Chuck asked as they walked away.
I stared after them. Nanci had just recruited her next member.
Nanci
Chuck joined me in the clubhouse that evening after taking Slim’s items back to his hotel room. He was a taciturn man who had little to say. However, I noted that when he spoke, it merited listening to. From what I gathered, Chuck and Slim hadn’t been close. Chuck also straight up told me the reason he’d not been at the funeral was because he’d been in prison for three years. He’d been charged and sentenced for assault and battery.
Chuck received a five-year sentence but was released early on good behaviour. I appreciated his honesty. He inquired if that would stop him from joining us, and I said no. I told him to come back tonight to meet everyone and learn more about the MC. Vortex was going to introduce him around and explain the charter. I was hoping Chuck would take up Slim’slegacy because, even though he was tightly closed off, there was something about him I liked.
Chuck having a record didn’t bother me, and it wouldn’t upset anyone else in the club. When Chuck showed up, Vortex hadn’t come back from a task he’d told me he had to do, so Hercules had stepped into Vortex’s shoes.
When Vortex returned in a blinding rage, I took one look at his face and guessed someone was getting a beat-down—or their death was imminent.
“What?” I demanded.
“Kya, Heat’s girl,” Vortex spat out.
My glance slid to Chuck, who was watching. “My office.”
Vortex glanced at Chuck and nodded.
“Don’t mind me. If you want me to join, then keeping secrets isn’t a good idea. Kya, Heat’s kid, I’m guessing, is in trouble. And Heat is a former member. How old is she?” Chuck asked.
Briefly, I hesitated. Was Chuck on the up and up? While we were aware Slim had a brother, they hadn’t been close. None of us knew the reason, either.
“Look, I got sent down because my ex was drugging her kids to make them sleep so she could go out clubbing at night. I beat the crap out of her. No, I ain’t proud of hitting a woman. But when you’ve just rushed a four-year-old girl to the hospital because she wasn’t breathing, I’ve got a reason. Slim and I didn’t talk because he didn’t approve of my actions. Slim didn’t understand my reasons until my trial. When Slim visited me inside, let’s say I was full of anger that he’d judged and not trusted me,” Chuck said honestly.
“What happened to the children?” I asked.
“They went to their father, whom I’ve remained in touch with, and he’s very thankful. Our ex was a piece of work and hid that until I was too deeply involved. Even when I found out, I couldn’t leave because of the kids,” Chuck replied.
“Do you see them?” Hercules inquired. Approval was in his eyes.
“Yeah. Denny brought them to prison, and I’ve had them stay with me since I’ve been out. Denny’s a decent man, and his wife is a wonderful woman. They’ve agreed the kids can come see their favourite Uncle Chuck six weeks a year,” Chuck answered Hercules.
“That sounds amazing,” I said.
