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“That you, Zero?” Priest asks.
“Yup.”
“If y’all would identify yourselves before speaking, that’d be best,” Priest says.
Bricks catches my eye from the other side of the table and makes a face I interpret as, “I ain’t saying shit.” I nod to indicate that’s my plan too while Priest’s on the line.
“Now, just so we’re all on the same page,” Priest continues, “Digger was loved and known in the MC world, not just our organization.”
Priest pauses but none of us say a word.
“I’ve been working hard with law enforcement from Nashville to Deadbranch to arrange a proper memorial service without them busting our nuts.” Priest’s voice holds a weariness I haven’t heard from him before. “More than any other time, Ineedeach and every charter on their best behavior. If you’ve got any crooked arrows, you best set them straight. If anyone acts up, it makes all of us look bad. Not just Lost Kings but every single motorcycle club in this country.” Priest spells it out as if we’re not all aware of this and it’s the first time we’ve heard this lecture.
“We can do all the toy runs and charitable events in the world,” Priest continues. “But if we have an incident, that’s what folks will remember about the Lost Kings. Media and law enforcement will talk about nothing else.”
“Understood,” Rock says, glancing at Wrath. Rock will depend on him to keep us in line.
I lean to my left and hold out my fist, tapping Wrath’s leg to let him know I’ve got his back. He flicks his gaze down, one corner of his mouth turns up, and he taps his fist against mine.
Priest isn’t finished with his lecture. “It may not seem like it, but this is bigger than our national event or any rally we attend. We’re negotiating to hold the memorial service at the Dashport Center.”
Rooster sits forward and mouths “what the fuck” at the speaker.
“We’ll have to agree to metal detectors at each entrance. Anyone causing trouble will be removed immediately. There will be severe consequences for misbehavior.” Priest stops for a long, noisy breath. “You’re responsible for each of your members and guests, Rock.”
Rock’s jaw clenches. Probably a good thing Priest’s all the way in Mississippi.
“Don’t get twisted, Rock,” Priest says as if he can see Rock’s reaction. “I’m having the same conversation with each president. Same goes for you, Zero.”
Z rolls his eyes. “Got it, Priest.”
“Rooster.” Priest’s voice turns warmer and almost fatherly. “I expect you to step up here. Set a good example for your brothers from all over.”
Rooster’s eyes widen to half-dollar size. “Uh, yeah. Of course I will, Priest.” He quickly scans the table. “We don’t have any bad apples. New York won’t be a problem for you.”
“That’s what I want to hear.” A loud clap fills the air, like Priest’s closing the book of notes he’s been reading from. “All right. I’ll get in touch when we have a firm date, but I’d say it’s going to be within the next month, so start making any arrangements with your families and businesses now.”
Murphy and Wrath frown at each other. They’ve got a third business partner at Furious Fitness who isn’t affiliated with the MC. Still, it’s hard to make arrangements for coverage when you don’t know the fucking dates you’ll be gone.
I glance at Ravage and Bricks. They’re whoIgo to when I need coverage at Crystal Ball. Guess it’ll be Malik’s time to shine. Might need to pull in Remy or Griff to help with security while I’m gone. Working at the strip club’s always been a hardfuck nofrom Vapor, but maybe I can ask him to help out at Furious.
“Got more calls to make,” Priest says. “Looking forward to seeing everyone. Thank you for your time.”
“Thank you,” Rock says.
Everyone around the table mutters a “thanks,” “goodbye,” or “see you soon.”
Rock stands and swipes the phone off the table, flips it closed, and tosses it in a drawer. He returns to his seat and rests against the back of the chair, closing his eyes for a few seconds. Wrath gets up and unplugs the speaker, wraps the cord around it, and stores it in the closet.
“Sorry, Rock,” Rooster’s gaze slides between our two presidents, “Z, I didn’t mean to overstep.”
Rock holds up a hand to halt Rooster’s apology. He’s never held grudges and certainly not over petty stuff. “I think your assurance helped end the call, so for that, I thankyou.”
Rooster drums his fingers against the table. “Not sure how I feel about him specifically calling me out, though.”
“Yeah.” Murphy glances at Rock and smirks. “Should I be offended or something?”
A hint of a smile flickers over Rock’s face. “No, be thankful.”
