Page 4 of Property of Zombie

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ZOMBIE

“It’s that time of year again.”

Leaning back in my chair, I glance around the room at my Kings of Anarchy MC: Washington brothers. Lyric, our president, called church to order a few minutes ago, and since this is our weekly meeting, things are a little more laid back.

“It is,” I confirm, grinning at Boondock, the treasurer.

“Did you make our annual donation?” Lyric asks him.

“I did,” Boondock confirms as he slides an envelope across the table. “We received the invitation for the zoo’s annual charity dinner, as well.”

Reaching for the envelope, I grin. “What’s the theme this time?” I ask, remembering previous years and the ridiculous themes the zoo’s public relations team concocted.

“Zoobilation.”

I can’t stop my snort of derision. Pulling out the thick cardstock invitation, I groan at the graphics. “Jesus, it looks like they’re going for a jungle theme.” As I read through the fancy script, my brows shoot up.

“I’m guessing you just read where it’s black-tie only,” Lyric comments dryly.

“My cut is black,” I mutter.

“You know as well as I do that wearing your cut won’t, well, cut it,” Pres comments with a smirk. “You’ve tried that before, and you were denied entry.”

“Then what’s the point of me going if no one there even fucking knows I’m KOAMC?”

Whiz, our road captain, throws his head back and laughs. “Everyone knows who you are. Shit, I challenge you to find a single person in Pierce County who doesn’t know you.”

“Don’t issue a challenge you can’t win,” Quake taunts. “There are plenty of people who don’t know Zombie.”

“Can we get back to the damn Zootopia bullshit?” Lyric snaps.

“Zoobilation,” Boondock corrects, his lips twitching when Pres glares at him. “Zootopia is a Disney movie.”

“Is anyone going with me this year?” I ask.

“Not me,” Trick quips.

“Fuck no,” Copper adds.

“You’re kidding, right?” Goose comments.

I shift my eyes to Lyric. “I’m gonna have to take a club whore, aren’t I?”

“You don’t have to take anyone,” he retorts. “But go alone, and you’ll look like a loser.”

“You’re a fucking asshole,” I bite out.

“Take Savvy or Lulu,” Sawbone instructs. “Out of all of ‘em, those are the two I’d trust the most to not act like a club whore out in public.”

“Fucking hell,” Lyric mutters. “Don’t let Mellie hear you talk like that. The whores are like family to her.”

“I’ll take Savvy,” I say, reeling the conversation back in. “Now, can we get down to business?”

“I thought this was business,” Lyric comments, smirking.

I throw my hands up in defeat. “Fine, yes, it’s business. But we’re done talking about it.” Turning to Pilot, I continue. “How’d your flight go yesterday?”