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Stepping up onto the roof,I see two more police cars have shown up as I join Sparky.
“If I could get my hands on my toys, I could make up some party gifts and wipe them all out,” he grumbles.
“Then more will come, and it would be a fight like we’ve never seen before. Lives lost, and brothers in prison for the remainder of their lives.”
“I guess we’re not as free as we’d like to believe we’ve been.”
“It’s not that. It’s about making smart moves, and going on the attack against the feds isn’t smart. It’s a death wish.”
Leaving him to keep watch, I head back down to the bar. Getting Leo and Luca’s attention, I jerk my chin toward the back room. Once we’re inside, Luca closes us in before taking his seat next to Leo.
“Regardless of what’s going on outside, the club will always move forward. Time doesn’t stop for any man. You’ve both probably worked out why I’ve been pushing you so hard lately.” They look at each other before nodding at me.
“You probably think I’ve gone overboard with my plans for the future, but I’ve worked too fucking hard not to have things worked out. I guess you’ve told Leo about Dog City?” I ask Luca, who replies with a nod. I then ask Leo, “Would he have your support?”
“He would.”
“Good, because once this shit with the sheriff is over, I’m stepping down and passing the gavel to you.”
He gives nothing away as to what he’s thinking.
“You don’t seem surprised.”
“Like you said, you’ve been pushing us hard lately, and we’ve noticed. I figured it was for this reason.”
“You’re ready, son. The club will follow you as they have done me.”
“What do you plan on doing? It’ll be weird giving you orders.”
Laughing, I sit back in my chair and take in the men before me. Men I’ve raised, who have my blood running through their veins.
“I plan on spending my time with your mom, your sister, the kids. Enjoying life. If the club hits trouble, I’ll be around, but there won’t be conflict between us, if that’s what you’re thinking.”
“So you’re not just stepping down, but stepping back?” Luca asks.
“Yes.”
“What does Mom think about it?”
“She’s on board.”
Leo runs his hands through his hair. “So this is really happening?”
“Yes. And I’ll make an announcement once we’re out of the fire.”
The room falls into silence, and I let it all soak in before saying, “It’s time for a new president. And not only will this charter see it, but Dog City will have Luca. The two of you will be unstoppable, and I can’t fucking wait to see it play out.”
Jumping out of his chair, Leo paces the length of the room, his worry palpable. Pushing up out of my seat, I step in front of him to block his path.
“When I took the gavel, I had no idea what I was doing, only what I thought should be done. Michael had no plans to step down, so there was no grooming the next in line. You have more than I had. You know the pain a wrong decision can cause, and you live with it every day. You have the brothers’ respect and their loyalty already. You’ve always wanted it, and now it’s so close you can taste it. Don’t fear it, son, embrace it. It’s yours. You’ll wear my patch, and you’ll make me proud as fuck.”
Straightening his shoulders, he lifts his chin. “Okay. I won’t let you down.”
“The weight of the club can drag you down, but remember, it’s your brothers who will raise you up. The patch is what you think of, what you fight for, and what keeps you alive. Never forget that, and you’ll do just fine.” I turn to Luca. “You both remember that.”
“I will.”
I pull Leo into my arms. My firstborn son, raised to take my place, and by God, I hope he does better than me. Releasing him, I see a tear roll down his cheek.
