Page 32 of The Biker's Second Chance
"Yeah, but..." I don't really have a good response to that. This just isn't how we do things here.
Leo sighs and walks by me in the direction of the church. He waves me along, and I follow behind him.
We get inside, and I instinctively go straight to my seat. As does Leo.
I'm silent, waiting for him to ream me out or whatever it is he's about to do. I'm in uncharted territory right now.
What I get from him is not what I expect.
"Spike, do you understand the significance of the chair you are sitting in?"
I look at the chair, my eyebrows furrowed in confusion. "Yes, it says I'm your right hand, the VP. An important part of the brotherhood."
"Yeah, but it also says you're next in line." He smirks at me, but I still don't get what he's getting at.
He continues, and I sit back, trying to soak up his wisdom.
"Look, I'm not saying it's going to happen anytime soon. I'm still healthy and still have a hunger to lead this club. But there may come a day when I don't. When I'm not seeing straight. When I'm conflicted. Whatever the fuck the case is. I need to know that the very second I can't do my duty to this club, you will be able to. I may not be here when it's your time to take over.I'll never question your loyalty to this club, but I still need to know that you're the right man for the job."
My mouth drops open. This is a fucking test? "So you're going to leave me hanging out to dry on this? Really?"
"No, I'm not. You'll have all the same resources that I have. Nothing changes. Nothing except who is in the lead. This is your chance not only to prove to yourself but to the rest of the brothers that when it's your time to take my seat, you've got this shit handled."
I shake my head and look down. Of course, I always knew there was a possibility that I would have to take over Chrome Creed, but it was a very small, speck of a chance. I always figured if Leo went down, I'd go down right beside him.
"And what if I fuck it up?" I ask him.
"Then you fix the fuck up. That's what being the man in charge means."
I sit there for a long while, just trying to process exactly what is happening.
"You really think I'm ready for this?" I look up to Leo, my best friend, the one I always turn to for advice.
"Spike, I wouldn't be as calm as I am if I had any doubts. I've got your back, as do the rest of the brothers here. They would follow you into the flames of hell. All you got to do is trust that shit." He stands from his seat, knocks on the table, and says, "Now if you'll excuse me, I have to go listen to why we need a porch swing." He rolls his eyes, and I can't help but laugh.
That's the most domestic shit I've ever heard in my life.
I stay in the church for a few minutes, finally understanding what's going on, and Leo is right.
I can do this. I'm ready for this.
It makes me feel good that Leo trusts me enough to put me in this position. I know other presidents who would never let go of the power that comes along with being the leader.
Now that I know what's going on, it's easier for me to come up with a plan on my own. And if I'm honest, it's a bit freeing. I don't have to run back to Leo with every decision or get his okay on what I'm doing.
He wants me to act like the president, and that's exactly what I'm going to do.
When I get out of church, I open the doors and see that both Lash and Tella are waiting for me. Right now, they are all on edge, trying to figure out what the next steps are. Something that I should be doing.
"Alright, let's get this shit mapped out," I say out loud, and see the relief wash over their bodies.
Within seconds, I have a crowd around me as I give out the assignments and tell them all what is going on with Xavier and the Burning Souls. There's not one of them who isn't disgusted and completely on board with what I'm saying. I give out the assignments and turn to go back to my room, completely confident in the direction we are going.
This is going to work.
CHAPTER 17
WORKING TOGETHER
