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Hawk would kill me if he found out I had made a bet with a club. I was going to give away his life’s hard work to a millionaire who couldn’t care less about making it better or maintaining its reputation. It breaks my heart knowing I betrayed Hawk’s trust tonight, the trust that had him putting me up for president when he stepped down.
* * *
Two Years Ago
Hades Inferno MC had grown on me after a year as its member. They have become brothers to me and gave meaning to my life. I used to spend most of my time in the clubhouse. The environment never appealed me but the people in it made me stay. I would spend most nights on tables and accompany Hawk to attend club duties, like his bodyguard.
I bought my first bike, a road glide. Didn’t even hurt my bank account thanks to the millions from lawsuits and insurance from my ordeal. I often thought about buying a big house outside city limits, one that has a huge yard for lots of barking dogs. I could even have horses if I wanted to and a large backyard that could hold everyone in the club if I had them over for a BBQ. I have been staying at the clubhouse though. I guess I don’t want to be lonely or feel alone. I might not socialize, but just being around the guys makes me not feel like my world has fallen apart.
Thanks to Crow, Hawk, and Knuckles, I’ve become pretty knowledgeable about motorcycles and can ride with the best of them.
Hawk called an urgent meeting one evening. He always did so none of us were concerned.
“I am a man who has lived the life I’ve always wanted and achieved most of the things I’ve dreamed of,” he started once everyone was settled. “However, my age has started to fail me. I am trying so hard to be a productive, loving, and caring man to my family and a hardworking, ever-present, disciplined, and determined president for this club. I’ve decided I am not going to kill myself with both. I sure as hell ain’t giving up on my duties as a father and a husband so that leaves giving up presidency of the club.”
He takes a breath before continuing in.
“Nothing is going to change. I will still be coming to hang out with my brothers and hide here while doing some shit my wife would kill me for if she ever found out but the club will be under new leadership. I decide everything else about the club and that means I will also decide on the next president. He is a guy who was eager to learn everything about us, has made a lot of sacrifices for our own good, and has shown commitment for this club more than any of us ever has. I know for a fact that Outlaw will take this club to heights I could have never reached. That’s why I am nominating him to be the next president, upon a vote, but you know he will be a good one.”
Applause combined with murmurs and endless chatter followed Hawk’s words. I was as surprised as other bikers were but also excited.
“Since he joined-” Silence resumed when Hawk continued talking. “As I was saying, since he joined, Outlaw’s only commitment has been to this club. His aim has always been to bring us together through games and most importantly, this house. He has no interest whatsoever in dating and we have all seen that everything he does is aimed at making the club better for all of us.”
“Outlaw joined one year ago. Some of us have been in this club for years. It’s not fair that he gets to be appointed simply because he can’t find a girl to settle with,” Knuckles angrily said.
“You might have been a club member for years but that does not mean you are in a position to lead us. One day under your leadership and this club could be on its knees. I have made my decision. Outlaw is the new president of the Hades Inferno MC. He is to be respected and obeyed. If you have any concerns with my decisions, raise them now or forever hold your peace. Vote?”
The vote was split but what Hawk said goes.
“Let’s face it, Hawk. You can’t be president of a club that doesn’t have any bikers,” Snoopy points out.
“Your point,” Hawk growled.
“Since it was split, we should have a trial run. One month, if nothing changes in one month, Knuckles get the seat. I trust your judgement, but if this club doesn’t change for the better, I’ll go nomad,” Snoopy states.
“Great idea. That’s fair. So, we all agree with Snoopy?” Hawk looks around the room.
Everyone agreed. I was amazed at how much confidence Hawk had in me. I was not planning on letting him, myself, or the bikers down. I was most productive under pressure and I wanted to maintain the position more than anything so I gave it my all.
I introduced the fire breathing dragon club symbol in the first week and had the logo embroidered in the middle of the club name on cut off vests for every biker using my own money. I made sure to put feelers out for jobs, only taking high-paying ones.
I brought in the idea of the bar the second week. Some hesitated at first but went all in after realizing they were missing out on most of the fun. I had one of the bedrooms furnished by the end of the second week using profits made from the bar.
I landed a minor gig during the third week. We didn’t pocket lots of money from it but enough to let them know I was trying. I was lucky to land another minor gig. By the end of the month, I had fully furnished the two bedrooms, bought one cream, retro, vintage sofa, three round tables and two wooden bar tables, all with chairs. Eighty percent of the bikers officially voted me in as the club president. Some, like Knuckles, believed I was only acting under pressure and would lose momentum in no time. I, however, never did and added another ten percent to the bikers who were fully on my side.
The last thing I want was showing the ten percent, Knuckles included, that they were right all along and I didn’t deserve to be president. The club is still my life. I would be nothing without it.
* * *
Present Day
Everleigh is seated on my bed, staring at the floor when I enter my room. She still has my jacket on and holding it against her like her life depends on it.
"It's a nice room," she says timidly, like she’s afraid to speak.
I sit on a couch opposite the bed and rest my elbows on my knees, leaning forward so she has my full attention. "Thanks. You can sleep here tonight. I will be downstairs if you need anything."
"I don't think I will need anything else for now. I have everything that I've wanted for the longest time now."
