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I find satisfaction in hearing the news this morning. Last night was a first for Fallen Ravens. We’ve encountered obstacles before, but not of this magnitude. We should have killed them all and been done with it.
I dump the scrambled eggs onto my plate next to the steak, shake on salt and pepper, then dash on hot sauce. I take my meal to the front porch. I live on the edge of town in a small two-bedroom lakefront cabin surrounded by trees. I’m alone out here. The lake itself separates Salem and a city on the opposite side. I could build a bigger house but don’t need or want more. I’ve had the best things money can buy. None of it truly made me happy. Big houses, fancy cars, and designer suits are all smoke and mirrors.
As I shovel down food, I gaze out at the water, feeling grateful for the life I’ve built for myself. But the scars of my old life run deep. Despite it all, I can’t shake the feeling that something is missing. I long for inner peace, a sense of calm that will allow me to let go of my past once and for all.
A few hours later, I’m strolling into the tattoo shop. Baja is already here, setting and prepping his station. “Mornin’, brother.”
“Mornin’.”
“Hear the news this mornin’?”
“Yes.” I move about the shop, gathering shit for my first client of the day. He’s a brother from another MC, where the members are all veterans. He’s originally from Salem but doesn’t live here anymore. He’s been getting ink done here since Otis was alive. Loyalty runs deep with men like Harvey, so he makes the trip back to Salem whenever he wants to add to his collection.
“Think we’ll see any blowback, that someone will get mouthy?”
“Not if they value breathin’,” I mutter, prepping my station.
Rhianna, our receptionist, comes through the door. “Sorry I’m late.” She tosses her purse behind the counter. “Car trouble.”
“Give Jackson a call.” I finish prepping my workstation. Jackson is a good guy. He’s the club’s go-to guy down at the mechanic shop.
Rhianna nods while looking down at her phone as her thumbs tap rapidly against the screen. “Already on it.”
“Why don’t you just call?” Baja asks, and Rhianna shrugs.
“This is easier.”
“How is it easier than actually calling and talkin’ to someone? I don’t get it.” Baja shakes his head.
The front door chimes, and Harvey strolls in with his old lady. His eyes land on me, and I wave him over.
“How’s it goin’?” He holds out his hand for me to shake.
“Another day above ground, brother.”
Harvey laughs, his other hand clasping my upper arm. “Any day above ground is a good day.”
I look past him at his old lady, Dolly. “Mornin’.”
“Morning, Harlem.”
Harvey turns to face his woman and pulls out his wallet. He rifles through it and hands Dolly a wad of cash.
“Here, darlin’. I’m going to be a while. Do some shopping. Buy you somethin’ pretty, get your hair done, whatever makes you happy.”
Dolly smiles, shoving the cash between her large breasts, and kisses her man. “You’re the best.” She turns to leave, and Harvey slaps her ass.
“Do you believe today is thirty-two years with that woman?” Harvey gets himself comfortable before we begin. I start to prep his skin. “You got a woman yet?” he asks.
I’m reluctant to answer. I don’t do small talk.
“Don’t want one.” I grab the ink paper and position it on the area getting inked.
“I felt that way once. Didn’t want the fucking headache or the responsibility of takin’ care of anyone but myself,” he states, and I nod, agreeing with every word. Harvey sighs. “Then Dolly walked into my life and knocked me right on my ass, literally.” He chuckles. “That pint-sized woman stood on a goddamn chair, clenched her tiny fist into a tight ball, and punched me right in the fuckin’ eye when I got a little too rowdy one night, many years ago. Told me I was a foul-mouth, grumpy asshole.”
I glance at Harvey’s face and see him smiling.
“That’s the moment I knew she was the one.” He shakes his head. “She’s a spitfire and tries my patience occasionally, but I’d walk through fire for that woman.”
