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“Kenna is going to stay at Coop’s place to help her sister while we deal with our business.” His words are vague, but everyone who needs to know what the fuck is going on knows what he means.
“Aw, back to his old girlfriends, Righty and Lefty,” Dix jokes as he strolls to the bar for another drink. “Let’s all raise a glass to his impending carpal tunnel.”
Ace flips him off with a smile, taking another sip of his drink, but he has more to say. I can tell by the set of his shoulders, still slightly tense, his mind still whirling with activity.
“Now, raise your motherfucking glasses in the air once again for the Reckless Souls getting shit done. We got a shit ton of cash on hand, enough to keep everybody fat and happy, thanks to our business in Costa Rica.”
Dix stands and takes a bow. “You’re welcome. I’m accepting bike upgrades, cash, and blades. Buyer’s choice,” he grins and drops back down in his seat.
Preacher pounds his hands on the table, producing drumroll sounds. “Long live the Reckless Souls!”
His words sent up another round of cheers, whistles, and howls from all around the room. Everyone is having a good time, wearing broad smiles and feeling relaxed for the first time in months.
“And even though I didn’t ask anyone to do that shit,” Ace begins over the roar of the crowd, his dark eyes now narrowed to slits. “We can’t let another day pass without cheering on the fact that Hector fucking Santos is nothing more than a feast for the maggots!”
I stand and lift my half-empty beer bottle. “To the maggot feast!”
Shades pounds on his table and stands. “To one less crazy motherfucker on the planet.”
Nova stands. “To killing the beast and giving our women a moment of peace.” Of course, Nova thinks about Hector’s crimes, his sins against so many women, some of whom are in this room right now.
Dix leans back dramatically and kicks his feet up on the table. “To giving that piece of shit the permanent happy face he so richly deserved. Drink up, Souls!”
We drink and laugh and celebrate. For a moment, it feels like the old days. The days before we had so much to protect, so many businesses and employees, so many women, and so much fucking money. Those days were good, but the more successful we are, the more shit lands on our doorstep.
The party lasts about an hour, which feels like a lifetime for some reason before Ace settles back into his role as President.
“Keep drinking and celebrating, but we have more shit to handle.” His tone is serious, his smile is gone, and the weight on his broad shoulders had returned.
“What’s up?” I ask because I need to know. If it has to do with Maven, she’ll need time to adjust and get on board.
“First isFor Goodness Cakes. Until I say otherwise, the place is under our protection and it’s off books. Gia, gather everything needed to make the shop secure. Video, audio, and whatever else you need. Preacher and Wilder will get it loaded in one of the vans for you.”
Gia nods as she sips her vodka cocktail. “On it. How soon are we installing it?”
“First thing in the morning,” Ace answers and raises his glass toward Stella, who quickly passes him another. “Also, we’ll have a guest for a while. Stone Nilsson from the Reckless Bastards, Texas Chapter will be arriving tonight, and he’ll be staying here at the clubhouse.”
“What the fuck?” Shades is on his feet again, a scowl on his face. “What the fuck for?” As friendly as Shades is, he doesn’t like strangers taking over Reckless Souls’ shit.
“Settle down, Shades. It’s a personal favor for a friend. Charlie in Mayhem asked for this favor, and I’m not in the habit of turning down favors. We hide him from the law, and the Men of Mayhem will owe us when the time comes.”
Shades deflates and nods as he drops down in his seat. “Fine.”
“As long as Stone is here, he’s a brother. He can pitch in and help as long as we keep the law off his back. Got it?”
A few mutters of agreement go around the room, along with nods acknowledging Ace’s orders.
“Got it,” I tell him with a nod. “Do I need to look into him, so we know who to be on the lookout for?”
Ace nods. “Not a bad idea but wait until after I have a chance to talk to Stone.”
“Yep.”
“Anything else?” Preacher asks, his arms tight around Gia as her head rests on his shoulder.
“Nope. Get the van loaded and ready for installation tomorrow, and then get back to celebrating. I’m gonna go check on my woman.”
Ace nods again and looks around the clubhouse bar with a smile, satisfied that things are all good.
