Page 46 of Flyboy's Nightingale
“That’s just it. I know everything you could want to know about the club itself. I know who they are in business with. Hell, with all the pictures found inside the clubhouse and around it, I could draw its fucking blueprints. I can tell you every move those two assholes made up until the day they left Texas and headed this way. That’s the most frustrating part of all this, they just fucking disappear.” Razor rubs his hands over his face and then combs his fingers into his hair.
“That could only mean they’ve got help from someone on the inside. That’s where you should start,” Smith says, rubbing his chin thoughtfully. “If it’d be okay with the club, I’d like to reach out to the O’Malley’s “fix it man”. He would know who has thecapability to wipe these men's path clear like this. This would give Razor an extra set of eyes with finding theses assholes.”
All eyes turn to Razor in order to gauge his opinion on the matter. I can see the wheels turning in his head before he speaks, asking, “Are you telling me that you can get in contact with Theo Steel, the computer genius and fixer that then married the O’Malley princess?”
Smith smirks and shrugs. “Let’s say that lately, I’ve made some new friends. Hell, you all met and helped the O’Malleys when Vixen showed up.”
“If we’re calling in ghosts, why don’t we call in Lil’ Red’s brother and see what he can find?” Pretty Boy snaps.
“That fucker gives me the heebie jeebies the way he just shows up with answers that no one else seems to have,” Wesson jests, breaking up some of the tension in the room at bringing in outsiders.
“Razor, what's your thoughts on bringing in Theo?” Prez asks him.
Razor shrugs. “At this point, I’ll take whatever help I can get.”
“Smith, you make the connection and let’s get these assholes taken care of. Now, onto the next line of business that none of you are going to like. We’re on full lockdown from today moving forward. No one, and I mean fucking no one, leaves this property alone. If anyone leaves, it’ll be for emergencies or supplies only. This is not a request, in any way, this is a demand from your president. If you do not abide by the rules of a full lockdown, as they are laid out, then be sure to leave your patch on your way out,” Prez mandates, looking every brother in the eye to make sure we understand exactly what he’s telling us.
A resounding, “Aye,” is said by everyone.
“Very good. Is there anything else that needs to be brought to the table before we wrap things up?” Prez wonders.
Duck stands. “I want tofinallynominate Prospect Noah to receive his full patch. In my opinion, he’s earned it.”
When he gets done speaking we all shout and bang on the table in agreement.
“Fucking finally. I swore that kid was going to be a prospect until the end time with his inability to keep his mouth shut,” Prez laughs. “Once Coin is up and moving, we’ll hold the official vote. If it’s then unanimous, and we’ve cleared the pest problem, we’ll set up his patch-in party.”
Everyone agrees and Prez slams the gavel ending church. Smith and Razor move close to each other discussing what needs to happen to get with the elusive Theo. Wesson and Pretty Boy leave the room, and I'm sure they’ll be searching for a bottle and a club girl. Duck and Torch leave in hunt of their Ol’ ladies. Prez stands before coming over to take the seat next to me. I brace for whatever he’s about to tell me not knowing if I’m getting my ass chewed or a good job.
“How’re you holding up? I know being out of commission has to be wearing on you,” he says, starting the conversation off with a bang.
“I’m managing it. Ready to get these fucking pins out and back to fucking work,” I tell him honestly.
“Good to know.” Prez sighs, leaning back into his chair.
“Prez, what is it? Just give it to me fucking straight,” I demand, not liking the disconnect between us.
“Shoot it straight? Okay! I’m sick of this asshole act you’re putting on.Everytime I think you’re making a turn for the better you turn around and lash out at that woman out there. I’ve watched many women come in and out of this clubhouse and your life. That one is a fucking keeper. Do you have any idea what she has done for you?” he snaps, staring me down.
“Yeah, she’s been there. I mean, isn’t that what a woman’s supposed to do for their Ol’ man?”
Steel lets out a harsh laugh. “Are you fucking kidding me? That woman has been by your side since before they rolled you through that E.R., barely alive. That woman has set her own trauma aside to be here when Edge nearly died. She then did it again to be at Razor and Edge’s wedding because you both wanted her there. Hell, Riley swallowed her panic and anxiety down every time she came into your hospital room and there was more than one brother in there. That woman has fought every day to put her own shit aside to make sure we’ve all felt cared for, and I’ll be damned if I’ll continue to stand around any longer and watch you continue to tear her down and then pull her back in.” Prez locks eyes with me, daring me to call him a liar.
“I’m a fucking asshole, what do you want me to do? I’m trying to work on my attitude. Maybe that woman is just too good for the likes of me.” I shrug because it’s not the first time I’ve thought that but it’s the first time I’d said it out loud.
“That’s just it. None of us are good enough for the women who choose to love us. We simply have to bust our asses every fucking day to be better men. So, I need your word, here and now, that you can handle your business and take care of shit or I’ll assign another brother to take care of her.” Steel lays a hand on my shoulder.
Sitting upright in my chair I lean so I’m nearly nose to nose with one of the only men that has ever caused me to be wary. “Riley is mine! She is mine today, tomorrow, and when I’m worm food, she’ll still be mine! If another man even considers coming close to her, that’ll be the last thought they ever have.”
“At this point, your words are just fucking that, words. Now is when you fucking show her that they have meaning.” Prez claps me on the shoulder as he stands, leaving the room.
Gathering my crutches I stand; my head spinning with the pain, and go in hunt for my woman so that I can start making good on the promise I just made.
CHAPTER
TWENTY-THREE
Riley
