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“It’s just because you’ve been down there recently,” Z says to Rooster.
“I hope that’s all it is,” Rooster grumbles.
“He saw my pretty face plenty,” Jigsaw says. “I was right by Rooster’s side—”
“You mean up his ass?” Murphy asks.
“Look who poured himself a cup of extra-strength fuckwad this morning,” Jigsaw sneers in Murphy’s direction.
To take some heat off Jiggy, I raise my hand. “I spent plenty of time with Priest too. Don’t take it personally.”
Z’s mouth twists into a devilish smirk. “I think Priest likes Rooster because of thecelebrityhe can bring to the club’s name.”
“For fuck’s sake,” Rooster grumbles, sliding his hand over his face.
“We’ve got you, brother,” Wrath says. “No one’s letting Priest use Shelby for publicity.”
Damn, Wrath’s awfully protective of Shelby. I hope like hell that’s going to extend to Emily one day.
“Do you guys realize how big the Dashport Center is?” Rooster asks. “That place holds expos, trade shows, and smaller concerts. What the fuck is Priest planning?”
“Shelby ever play there?” Z asks.
“Not with Dawson, that dude sells out arenas.” Rooster shakes his head. “But holding a memorial service there is fuckin’ wild.”
“Maybe he’s doing it there because they can handle the extra security needs?” Hustler suggests.
“All right,” Rock says in a louder voice meant to capture our attention and shut our collective mouths. He bangs his gavel against the table to quiet any lingering chatter.
“Obviously, this is a mandatory run,” Rock says, casting a glance around the table. “No excuses.”
“Uh, boss.” Sparky raises his hand.
“That includesyou,” Rock warns before Sparky can even ask his question. “You need the miles.”
We’re all required to ride a certain number of miles every year to keep our patches. As road captain, I’m the one who should be keeping track of that. But the math is simple. Sparky never leaves the basement, so it’s not exactly shocking that he’s coming up short.
“You’re between crops, aren’t you?” Wrath asks Sparky.
“Well, yeah.” He glances at Stash. “But the dark energy of a funeral? I don’t want to bring that home.”
“You’re paying respects to a brother,” Rock says in the kind of voice you’d use on a kid who’s afraid to sleep without a night-light. For some reason, he’s always had infinite patience with Sparky.
“How is it dark energy, Sparky?” Rooster asks in a similar gentle tone. “We’re celebrating the life of a brother. Giving him a proper send-off into the next life. That should bring all of us good karma.”
Jigsaw side-eyes his best friend. “You start reading Tarot cards with Shelby? Gonna be jacking off with crystals next?”
“That sounds painful,” Stash mutters.
“What Rooster said.” Z points at his VP, ignoring the rest of the chatter. “Respect for our fallen brother is good for our combined karma.”
Sparky frowns but doesn’t utter another complaint.
Grinder sits forward and lifts a finger to let us know he has something to add. “This might not be my place to say, but as much as Priest might prefer the spectacle of us all in attendance at his little lovefest, weneedsome brothers to stay behind. Sounds like the whole damn world’s gonna know every Lost King in the country will be in Tennessee at a certain time. Leaves us vulnerable at home.”
“Grinder’s right,” Wrath says. “If Priest’s working with law enforcement to plan this, word will spread. Our clubhouses, businesses, and everyone associated with our club will be unprotected.”
“Uh, won’twebe at risk if we’re all in the same location at once?” Murphy asks. “What if the ATF decides they’d like to end their MC problem once and for all and drops a fucking bomb on the stadium?”
