He kissed me again and walked away. God, I loved my man.
* * *
Minus
It had only been a few months since I’d seen the Dogs of Fire founder and president, but he seemed to have aged several years within that time. I’d always admired Crow, even when the tension between our clubs led to my being exiled to Savannah. Crow was one of the last of the Portland O.G.s, and now that Cutter was gone it was hard not to see traces of him when I looked at him.
“It’s good to see you, Minus,” Crow greeted me warmly before taking his seat, followed by the rest of us. It felt strange to not be sitting at the head of the table myself, but this was Crow’s table, and I was merely here as an honored guest. Also, in attendance were their club’s V.P., Booker, Hatch, and half a dozen other high-ranking Dogs.
Crow and Cutter started the Dogs together, but Cutter split off to start the Burning Saints. The Dogs were a smaller club that put a higher emphasis on family than club life. At least that’s the way I saw it. They stayed (more or less) on the good side of the law, and even worked with law enforcement to take down some serious bad guys on more than one occasion. To say our clubs were opposites would be an understatement. We drew the line at running dope or girls, a vacuum the Gresham Spiders gladly filled, but beyond that, we were about getting paid. That is until cancer gave Cutter the ability to tell the future and he put a halt on our club’s way of life.
“I appreciate you all taking a few minutes away from your families today. I promise I won’t keep you long.” Crow spoke in a rich baritone. The rasp in his voice telling the story of every cigarette he’d ever smoked. “I’ve asked Minus, Clutch, and Warthog from the Burning Saints to join us, as what I have to say may affect them as well.”
I gave him a nod. “Thank you for having us and the other officers to your clubhouse for dinner. We appreciate the hospitality.”
Hands around the room slapped the table in agreement.
“I’ll get straight to it, then,” Crow continued. “I’m old as fuck and twice as tired. It’s time for me to retire and tonight I’m naming my successor.”
There were audible gasps, followed by confused glances, and finally an eruption of voices.
“Alright, calm the fuck down,” Crow said, before bringing his gavel down on the table.
Booker slid a gift toward Hatch.
“What the hell is this?” Hatch asked.
“Open it,” Booker said.
Hatch unwrapped the box and slid the top off, revealing a patch that read, ‘President.’
“What the fuck?” Hatch said.
“Weren’t you listening?” Crow asked, smiling. “I’m retiring as the club’s president. I’m handing the patch to you.”
“Why?” Hatch asked. “It should go to Booker.”
Booker spoke up. “Crow and I have talked about this in private, and both agree that I’m better suited to continue to serve as V.P.”
“What the fuck are you both talking about?” Hatch yelled. “Crow, you even thinking about retiring is crazy enough as it is, but if it happens, the vice president has to move up.”
“This isn’t the United States government, Hatch.” Crow laughed. “We can do whatever the fuck we want.”
“I’m glad this is a joke to you, cause I’m sure as shit not laughing,” Hatch said.
“If you really think retiring from a club that I started almost thirty years ago is a joke, then maybe I’ve made the wrong choice after all,” Crow said.
“Choice about what?” Hatch asked.
“The choice to promote you to President of the Dogs of Fire.”
Hatch sat in stunned silence.
“Congratulations, brother,” Booker said, patting him on the back as the room filled with applause.
Hatch rose to his feet, his expression still one of utter shock. “No, no wait. This belongs to Booker.”
Crow rose and placed a hand on Hatch’s shoulder. “Booker and I have been talking this over for months and you’re the one.”
“But, I—”
“There isn’t a Dog that doesn’t respect you or that would disagree with my decision,” Crow said to nods all around.
Hell, even I had to admit that Cricket’s brother was gonna make a great president, even if it did complicate my life further.
“I’m gonna make the official announcement of my retirement and Hatch’s promotion tonight at dinner but wanted to meet with you all in private first. I thought it important to include the Saints because I believe our two clubs may have some rough roads ahead of us.”
“All the more reason we need you at the helm,” Hatch said.
“I’ll still be available to you as a counselor whenever you need me, but it’s time for you to lead this club. I know it in my bones the same way Cutter knew it was Minus’s time.
Hatch looked at me, but his facial expression gave nothing away.
He turned back to Crow. “What about you?”
“It’s time for me and Suzy to get knee deep in moonshine and alpaca shit.”
“What?”
“A few months ago, an old friend of mine in Georgia let me know about an alpaca farm that went up for sale next to his ranch.”
“Duke?” I asked in shock.
“Oh, that’s right. You used to work that ranch didn’t you, Minus?” Crow asked with a wink. He knew damned well that when I was sent away to Savannah, that it was to Duke’s farm. Fortunately for me, life on that farm was exactly what I needed, and Duke and his wife, Pearl, treated me like a son.
“You’re gonna move to Georgia and become a farmer?” Hatch asked.
“Alpacas mostly and some goats,” Crow smiled. “Hatch, you are the right man to lead this club, and more importantly, your old lady is strong enough to handle the position.”
Hatch’s facial expression changed from shock to terror. “Oh, shit. Maisie.”
“You afraid of how she’s gonna take the news?” Booker asked.
“Close,” Hatch said, “I’m afraid we don’t have enough red wine.”
The group laughed, then Crow hit the gavel on the table and the meeting was dismissed.
* * *
Maisie
“Darling, why do you look like you swallowed vinegar?” I asked as Hatch guided me back to his office, closing the door behind us.
“I just got promoted.”
“You did?”
He nodded, looking stunned. “To president.”
“What?” I rasped.
“Crow’s retirin’.”
“Holy shit on a cracker.”
Hatch dragged his hands through his hair. “Yeah.”
“Is this a good thing?”
“I have no fuckin’ clue, Sunshine,” he admitted. “I can’t wrap my mind around it yet.”
I closed the distance between us, reaching up to stroke his beard. “I’m so bloody proud of you.”
His eyes softened and he smiled. “Yeah?”
I nodded. “You are the perfect choice, darling. You must see that.”
“It should be Booker.”
“No, it shouldn’t. He’s the perfect VP, but you’re the one everyone, and I mean everyone, looks to for advice and guidance. He’s not. You have far more life and club experience than he does. It could really only be you.”
“Which means I need to pick a new Sergeant.”
“Flea.”
He grinned. “Yeah, baby. Flea.”
“But that means you’ll have to finesse Ace and Knight.”
“Ace doesn’t want it, but I’ll talk to him about it anyway.”
“And Knight?”
“He’s too busy with the clinic, but I’ll talk to him as well.”
I patted his chest. “This is why you’re perfect for the job. You know your brothers inside and out, but still give them the chance to change their mind. You really are the best human I’ve ever known.”
“You think so?”
“I know so.” I slid my hands to his neck. “I may have ra
ised Poppy for twelve years before I met you, but I really think she would have been a complete basket case if you’d never come along, so...”
He chuckled. “She was a fully formed badass before I came along, Sunshine, so I can’t take any credit for that.”
“Well you should, because she’s more you than me.”
“You think so?”
“I do,” I said. “And our boys, love. They’re mini yous and I am so fortunate to be their mum.”
“Fuck, baby, you’re pretty fuckin’ perfect yourself.”
“Probably because you’re my man and you bring out the best in me.”
He laughed. “God damn, you’re good for my ego.”
“I know. It’s my favorite part of being your ol’ lady.”
“I was given this honor in part because of you, too, baby.”
“How so?” I whispered.
“Crow said he knew you could handle it, which sealed the deal.”
“Well, that’s quite lovely,” I said, my heart racing. “But maybe let’s not bring that up until I’ve had a bottle of wine. It’s an awful lot of responsibility.”
Hatch chuckled, leaning down to kiss me. “Love you, Sunshine.”
“I love you, too, darling. Congratulations.”
“Thanks.”
“Let’s go eat, hmm?”
“One more second,” he said, and wrapped his arms around me.
I gave that to him, knowing he needed a little time to wrap his mind around everything. I loved that I was his safe haven, treasured that he looked to me for peace.
We stood like this for several minutes before Jamie came looking for us, breaking the moment. I kissed my man again, then we joined our family.
* * *
Hatch
Maisie directed everyone to the tables set up in the middle of the great room, and she and I took our seats near Crow at the head of the table, which was set to perfection. My baby and our crew had prepared enough food to sink a battleship, and it was laid out beautifully over two large buffet tables.
Crow stood, raising his beer glass with a smile. “Thanks everyone for joining us today. And a big thanks to Maisie and the rest of our women for cookin’ all day.”
“Thanks to all our men for doing all the clean-up,” Maisie interjected, throwing Crow off his game a little.
“Ah... right. Brothers, you’re on clean-up.”
The crowd chuckled, and I squeezed Maisie’s knee under the table. My woman was a fuckin’ genius and I loved her for it. But I wouldn’t be doing any sort of clean-up. I’d leave that to the recruits.
“You’re not off the hook, love,” Maisie whispered.
“I am if you want me to feast on your pussy later,” I countered. “Can’t do that and do dishes.”
She shivered. “You can put the recruits on dishes.”
I chuckled. “Well, I’m sure as hell not putting them on your pussy.”
I received a pinch on my thigh for my impertinence and couldn’t help a grin.
“Anyway,” Crow continued. “Welcome everyone. Since our nearest and dearest are here today, I figured now was a good time to let y’all know I’m retiring. Hatch has been patched in as your new prez, so you got a problem with anything, take it up with him.”
According to Booker, Crow had arrived a little late for him and I to have a private pow-wow, so the announcement had been made in front of Minus and his crew first. I wondered if Crow had planned it all along so I couldn’t object more than I did.
I sat in tense silence for a few seconds, waiting for someone to object, but all that came were congratulatory toasts, back slaps, and hugs.
“Thanks, everyone,” I said. “Now, let’s eat!”
Minus
“Get ready to eat shit, farm boy.” Hatch’s breath turned to thick fog as it hit the crisp winter air. It looked like dragon’s breath in the glow of the halogen lights as he lined up with the rest of “Team Dogs.”
“You think your new President’s patch will give you wings or something?” I asked.
Hatch grinned. “I could have just as easily kicked your ass as a Sergeant.”
“Oh, shit. They’re worse than I thought,” I replied.
“What?” Hatch asked.
“Your delusions of grandeur. You poor bastard, you really think you’re faster than me.”
“We’re about to find out,” Hatch replied, as we squared off, face-to-face.
“Okay, but your quarterback is mine, and don’t say I didn’t warn you.”
The ball was snapped to Booker who caught it and fell deep into the pocket. I was off like a shot, and despite his best attempt, Hatch never laid so much as a hand on me, leaving the Q.B. fully exposed. I flew at Booker who frantically searched for an open man on the other end of the field, but it was too late. I’d found my prey and Booker was on the ground before he knew what hit him. And hit him, I did.
Booker slammed into the semi-frozen ground with a deep thud. I sprang to my feet as he lay flat on his back struggling for air. The players from both clubs’ teams raced toward us along with club members that were watching from the sidelines.
“Hey man, you okay?” I asked, leaning down, extending a hand to the downed man. Before he could answer, I was blindsided from the left, and even though I never saw him, I knew it was Hatch. He hit me hard. Head down, shoulder into my ribcage. Old school.
We flew into the area beyond the “end zone,” which meant landing on earth littered with rocks, sticks, and rusty bike parts.
“What the fuck’s wrong with you?” Hatch bellowed as he pushed off me.
“Me? What... the hell is wrong... with you?” I managed to huff out. I’d now found myself in the “Desperately Seeking Oxygen” club along with Booker.
“That was a cheap fuckin’ shot,” Hatch said.
“Cheap shot, my ass. All I did was sack a man that was left undefended.”
“Yeah, well. it’s gonna be your ass if you ever pull that kind of shit in my house again.”
I rose to my feet. “You wanna talk about cheap shots? Booker had a fuckin’ ball in his hands. What do you call that shit?” I asked, pointing to the spot where he’d tackled me.
“This was supposed to be a friendly game, and you took it too far.”
“Well, friend, I’m gonna have to say it’s you that’s takin’ shit too far,” I replied.
“You hit Booker too fucking hard for a backyard game. You need to admit it and apologize,” Hatch said, taking a step closer.
By now, our members had tightened their half-circle as well. Perhaps it was instinct. This group of men had all seen their share of street fights and could feel in their bones when one was about to go down. And one was most certainly about to go down.
“I think Booker’s a big boy and can handle himself,” I said.
“Really, Hatch. I’m fine, man. It’s cool,” Booker said, now having joined the others.
“See? He’s cool, everything’s cool,” I said.
“That’s not the way I see it,” Hatch replied.
“Well, there it is,” I seethed, my anger starting to reach the boiling point. “Per usual, it’s all about how you fuckin’ see things isn’t it, Hatch?”
“You’re gonna see my fist if you keep it up, boy.”
“I thought tonight was supposed to be about peace and unity?” Booker said.
“He calls me ‘boy’ again, and we’ll be testing the limits of my holiday good cheer,” I hissed.
Hatch stepped closer.
Maybe I’d never forgiven Hatch for having a hand in my exile after I started dating his sister. And perhaps, he hated me for taking that same sister away from him and having her work for my club. Whatever the real reasons were, both Hatch and I were willing to use a meaningless after-dinner football game as an excuse to beat the shit out of each other in front of our clubs.
“I said apologize...boy.”
I fisted my hand, but before I could feel his face against my knuckles, my woman stormed
out of the club and yelled, “Don’t even think about it.”
* * *
Hatch
“Connor Wallace, if you hit him, you and I will have a problem,” Maisie warned.
I raised an eyebrow in her general direction and noticed Cricket and Maisie standing side-by-side, the bond between my woman and my sister was as strong as ever.
“Same goes for you, Jase,” Cricket said.
Minus and I met each other’s eyes and I could tell he was contemplating how far he was willing to push my sister. I was having a similar war in my own head.
“I’m serious, Hatch,” Maisie reiterated, crossing her arms for effect.
Cricket mimicked her stance and leaned forward. “Minus.”
“Fuck me,” I hissed out and stepped away from Minus. It wasn’t worth it.
But it wasn’t done.
Minus also stepped back, but I could see he and I were on the same page.
Maisie walked over to me and frowned up at me. “You good?”
“I’m not happy my woman decided to get in the middle of somethin’ she has no business gettin’ in the middle of, so...no, I’m not good, Maisie.”
“You don’t get to be cross with me, Connor,” she said. “There was no way in hell I was going to let you and Minus go at each other like a couple of barbarians in front of kids.”
Before I could argue, the roar of pipes blared in the silence, and eight riders approached. Instinctively, I pushed Maisie behind me and noticed my brothers do the same with their women.
“It’s the Bikers for Kids crew, love,” Maisie reminded me, and stepped toward them.
“They’re early.”
Since I didn’t know them personally, I still took her hand and pulled her slightly behind me. Her hand landed on my ass...a kind of warning, you could say.
We’d had arguments in the past about me being overprotective, but I reminded her that would never change, so she had to figure out a way to wrap her mind around it, or it would drive her crazy.
Crow, Booker, Hawk, Mack, and I headed to the new arrivals, while Ace and Knight herded everyone else inside.
Well, they tried.
My woman had other plans.
“Go inside, Sunshine.”
“Their women are with them, love,” she countered. “They might appreciate seeing a friendly, female face.”
The Davenport Christmas Chronicles Page 9