Page 130 of The Echo of Violence

“Keep your eye on it. With the wind picking up, it could be an issue,” I tell Ryker as I eye the fire pit.

I make my way inside and bump into Boomer, who scowls at me and walks away. Since being given prospect duties, the man has been even more hostile than usual. But I’ll give him credit. He’s done each task without complaint.

I walk into the main room and head to the bar where Splinter and Eightball are standing. “I’ll take a beer. Thanks, Spoons,” I call out to the prospect behind the bar before taking a seat.

“You both finished for the day already?” I look at my watch and frown. It’s only five. They usually work to at least six.

“It’s not every day that most of the mother chapter comes for a visit.”

“Yeah, I think something Scope said last time he was there struck a nerve.”

“Either that, or they’re curious to see the lone female prospect before she’s no more.” I take a sip, pissed about it all, even though we could see the writing on the wall from the start.

“I never thought I’d say this, but I wish it could turn out differently for her. She’s worked hard for it.”

“I know.” Eightball sighs.

“On the plus side, she can still carry on as Mercy’s guard in an unofficial capacity. And if we give her our patch, it will give her a level of protection that not even her prospect patch gives her.”

“You know I want to make her our old lady more than anything, but I hate that it’s at the expense of her patch,” Splinter complains.

Scope and Wizz walk over, signaling to Spoons for a beer.

“Viper just texted to say he’s on his way. What time are the girls getting here?”

“They had Dulce and Reese there when I dropped off lunch for them.”

Scope grimaces, making me laugh. “They’re not coming too, are they? I’d like to still have a clubhouse in the morning.”

“They never said. Want me to call Jinx?”

“Yeah, then Mercy can’t complain that I’m checking up on her.”

“Even though he is.” Wizz laughs, taking the beer from Spoons.

“I’ve gotta ask, are we expecting any trouble tonight?” Splinter asks Scope as I pull out my cell and dial Jinx.

“Nothing we can’t handle. I expect there’ll be some pushback, but for the most part, Viper will keep them in check. Especially with Megan and Mercy around. If we have any issues, it will be from Knuckles and his big mouth. I think Boomer has learned his lesson with the shit duties he’s been pulling.”

“Literally. I had him clean the toilets yesterday with a toothbrush,” Kaz throws in as he walks into the tail end of the conversation.

My cell connects, and Jinx answers after two rings. “Hey, what’s wrong?”

“Nothing’s wrong. I’m just calling to see when you guys will be back.”

“We’re on our way now. I had to drop Toto off at home and grab my vest.”

“You know you don’t need a bulletproof vest in the clubhouse.” I chuckle, making the men around me smirk.

“You say that now, but I’m not taking my chances with the mother chapter when I don’t know them. I’ve been shot too many times to take the risk. Last time, need I remind you, was at the clubhouse. Besides, Nico bought me a new one, so I’m breaking it in.”

“Alright, smart-ass.”

She laughs as Scope makes a signal with his hands that means nothing to me. But I can take a guess. “Are Dulce and Reese coming with you?”

“No, they have their own things going on. But Reese will be back in a few days to help me set up the gym. I’m excited.”

“I’m happy for you. Alright, I’ll let you go. Drive safe.”

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