Page 6 of Johnny Gun

“What do you suggest?” Blade’s bland smile spoke volumes. He’d nudged just enough, and Little Billy had jumped in the direction he wanted his Spawn brothers to go.

“We send a contingent to reinforce their numbers,” Little Billy replied.

“Sounds like a plan. But I can’t force anyone to go,” Blade said smoothly.

Johnny couldn’t stay silent anymore. “We ask for volunteers. Count on me.”

Blade sat back, glancing around the room. “Thank you, Johnny G. I had a feeling you’d volunteer first.”

“Are you nuts?” Barron grumbled at him. “You’re going to put yourself in harm’s way for that asshole Deacon?”

“Listen to me,” Johnny hissed. “You didn’t get it when I explained, and you’re still not understanding how I feel. I couldn’t give two shits about Deacon. This is about Isolde. She’s in danger. They want to kidnap her, and knowing how cartels operate, they’ll probably sell her. I’m not letting that happen.”

“But—”

“You won’t change my mind, dude. I’m going. They’ll have to get through me first before they touch her.”

“Anyone else?” Blade asked the group.

“Me. I wanna go. I could use the action.” Tank spoke from his corner. “Lack of activity is doing a number on my muscle tone.”

All eyes went to Tank. As the name implied, the recently patched member stood at six feet five inches tall, with a massive physique that rivaled the largest WWE Smackdown star.

“Hell, Tank.” Blade chuckled. “Had I known of your requirements, I would’ve come up with a muscle-building project. As it is, I have something else in mind.”

Tank frowned. “Are you saying I can’t go?”

“Absolutely not,” Blade said. “The Dalton guys will be relieved to see you. But since you’re volunteering, I’ll save the project for your return. That’s all.”

“Good.” Tank nodded. “Works for me.”

Pilot, their current prospect, stepped out of his spot in the corner. “I’d like to help out. Is that allowed?”

Blade turned to his vice president. Breaker had been quiet throughout the meeting. “What do you say, Breaker?”

Breaker waited a moment before answering. “That’ll work.” Nodding, he ran a hand over his bald head. “There’s nothing in the rules to stop him. Plus, he’s going with experienced brothers. It’s a good way for Pilot to show his loyalty to the MC and hone his talents. Fast track to getting patched.”

“That’s settled. You’re going,” Blade said.

“You need two more,” Axel said. “I’m volunteering Max to come with me. He hasn’t said it, but I know he wants to go.”

Max’s sharp brown eyes crinkled with amusement. “My bud here can’t wipe his ass without my help.”

“What the fuck, man,” Axel growled. “If memory serves, Kyle and I showed you how.”

“Enough, you two,” Blade thundered. “Don’t get started. This is serious business. Defending the Dalton chapter ain’t going to be easy.” He glared from Axel to Max. “Axel, keep your mouth shut. Max, I need a verbal response. Of your own free will, do you volunteer?”

“Yes, Blade,” Max said. “I’ll go. Sorry, we were just horsing around.”

“Save it.” Blade waved a dismissive hand. “That’s five guys. I’d prefer to send up six. A nice even number. Once that’s squared away, you’ll ride north to offer your services to Deacon. Bring all your hardware and extra ammo if you have it. Be aware you’re in his territory and he has full authority, not me. Unless a dire emergency requiring my intervention comes up, don’t call me. Understood?”

“I’ll make the sixth,” Barron said, lifting his hand.

“Not this time, dude.” Blade shook his head. “You’re one of my fiercest fighters. Makes sense you want to support your bud, butI’m asking you to sit this one out down here.” He tapped his finger on the desk. “You’re a newlywed, and your house is under construction. Your head’s not gonna be in the game. Deacon needs everyone’s concentration. And, on a selfish note, I don’t want this clubhouse’s defenses stripped.”

“You’re the boss,” Barron said.

“I am. In this situation, I hope you trust my decision.”

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