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Stormy was one of the best people I’d met in the MC. We’d hit it off as friends from jump. And my kid loved her.
“I received a text message from Natalie. Lili missed both classes last week, and yesterday, she pulled Lili out of dance altogether.”
Stormy taught little kids ballet at a strip mall studio between Crew Custom Cycle where half the guys in the MC worked on bikes and Wild Ink, Hana’s tattoo shop.
“I’m sorry. It’s my fault. I’m hoping my issues with her mom will be resolved in a couple of weeks.” If the court hearing went my way, I’d get back on regular visitation and get Lili back in dance. If the court ruled against me… I didn’t want to think about what I’d do if I lost Lili. Nothing else mattered.
Not exactly true. Jaymi mattered, but there wasn’t shit I could do about that situation either.
“You know, if you need to talk, I’m a good listener.”
“Just ex-wife and custody drama, but thanks.”
She made her way back over to Bullet, Rogue, and Jazzy. Rogue shuffled cards and dealt another hand. The television in the corner of the room played the game, and with only a few patches in the bar, the room was quiet.
Kodiak came in, glanced around, and made his way over to the bar. “Have you seen Tank or Cruz?”
“Not tonight. But Rizz and McKelle are around. They’ll know where to find him.”
“I’m not looking for them. I’m avoiding them.”
I chuckled and poured him a beer. “What’s up?”
He slid onto the stool. “Bullshit at work.”
Kodiak had never liked Cruz. I’m not sure what their beef was about, but it began before they started working together. In the beginning, Kodiak had been all in with the Hellers. He wore the patch, but lately, I wasn’t sure about his level of commitment to the club.
“Talk to Tank.” I set the beer in front of him.
“He’s part of the problem.” Kodiak lifted the beer to his mouth. “Fucking pussies.”
Uneasiness slipped along my spine. Maybe Cruz, but not Tank. The man was solid. If I was in a fight, I’d want him to have my back. I leaned closer. “Only one reason to be pissed at Tank, and that’s if you’ve crossed him. Are you in trouble?”
Don’t lie to me.
“Nothing I can’t handle.” He stared hard at me. “Stay out of this one. Let me handle it.”
“Handle what?” I snapped. “You can’t be starting shit with patches, especially old timers like Tank.”
“I’m not starting anything, especially with Tank. We’re solid as long as he stays out of my business. My problems have nothing to do with the club. Nothing to do with any Hellers. And you don’t need to get involved.”
“Jesus Christ. You do have a problem. This is about the fucking money, isn’t it?”
Kodiak lunged up, and I reared back.
“What the fuck?”
He put his face near mine. “Shut up about the fucking money. Trust me.” He slowly sat back down and picked up his beer. He scanned the room. I assumed to see if anyone noticed his outburst. “I just said it’s nothing to do with the club. You getting involved is a complication I don’t need.”
Uneasiness knotted in my gut. He wasn’t lying to me, but he was in trouble. Trouble that had to do with Tank and Cruz. “Kodiak, you gotta talk to me.” I lowered my voice. “You work for the fucking mafia.”
Kodiak slammed the glass to the counter. “I said to stay the fuck out of it.” He pushed away from the bar and reached into his pocket.
“I’ve got it.” Not sure why he was being a dick tonight, but I’d buy his drink because there was something going on with him. He wanted secrets? Fine. I wouldn’t fight him on it. Not yet. I had secrets of my own. I grabbed his glass and shoved it into the sink of soapy water. “Get your shit together,” I said. “I can’t trust you when you’re shutting me out.”
Kodiak paused for a moment then sat again. “I’m not shutting you out,” he said. “Everything’s good. Nothing serious. Nothing you need to worry about.” He pulled his cigarettes from his pocket. “Take a walk?”
I dried my hands and came around the bar. “I’m taking a break,” I hollered to Bullet and Rogue. Then I walked outside with Kodiak. Sully and Murph stood around the oil drum. Fire snapped and popped. Kodiak offered me a cigarette.
