Page 72 of Johnny Gun

A low rumble of voices moved around the room. Johnny glanced at Barron. His friend nodded and stood to address the group. “Let’s face it, guys, the MC has gone through some big changes. The most important was moving from outlaw to legit. My gut tells me, this guy betrayed us because he was unhappy with our new position. We need to discuss this openly. Brothers who’d rather go a different way should feel free to do so.”

Viper stood. “I have one more.”

“What are you doing?” Deacon asked him.

“I’m sorry, my brother.” He spoke to Deacon, then stared at everyone. “We have an open wound between MCs. It’s urgent we heal it once and for all. If we don’t, we’ll never move forward. Deacon, you and Rover need to resolve your feud. This has been going on too long. I understand you and Warden were close as brothers. His death was a deep loss.”

“Viper, please,” Deacon begged.

“No, you have to listen. I was there, and I remember. The ambush was intense and confusing. But it was never cleared up if Rover had instigated the attack or someone else had. My money is on Gunner since the sneaky liar of a vice president and troublemaker took advantage of every crisis to twist things in his favor. But instead of discussing this with Rover, you let the pain blind you, and it festered. You turned in one of Rover’s men to the feds. He paid you back by trying to kidnap Isolde. Gomez is fighting for his life because of this animosity. Our clubhouse is in ruins. You have to clear the air, make peace with each other. End this once and for all.” He sat down.

“Why does it have to be me?” Deacon groaned. “Rover hasn’t reached out or tried to resolve this with me or anyone else. And he’s got the cartels working with him.”

“How about we try baby steps?” Blade asked. “If we start a conversation, we could work our way to throwing the cartels out of our territory. For now.”

“Doesn’t hurt to try,” Viper said.

“I could negotiate a meeting between the two of you,” Blade offered. “Has to be on neutral ground. Not here, in Dalton, or in LaFayette.”

“And for sure without Gunner,” Viper added.

“Good one.” Blade pointed at him. “Suggestions?”

“The Hell Knights have proven their neutrality,” Viper said. “I know they’re just as frustrated with this ongoing animosity as the rest of us. They’d like to see it end.”

“Deacon?” Blade asked. “

He sighed. “If Rover accepts the meeting, so will I.”

“That’s progress,” Blade said. “I’ll reach out to Josh tomorrow. Between him and me, we can put something together.”

Isolde raised her hand, and Blade chuckled. “We’re not in school, Isolde. What’s on your mind?”

“Is it possible to visit Gomez? Even just to look at him from a distance?”

Blade tapped the table. “I honestly don’t know. He must be in ICU. Captain Weaver is anxious to speak with him.”

“I’ll call the hospital and find out,” Cel said. “Sometimes they allow a visitor a few minutes.”

“Thank you, Cel,” Isolde said. “That would be awesome.”

“Does anyone have anything else to say? Further comments?” Blade spoke out. “No? We’re done. Let’s leave the room to Johnny, Isolde, and Deacon. They have some issues to work out.”

Johnny stared wide-eyed at his prez. He hadn’t expected this at all, but then again, Blade was highly intuitive and usually shocked everyone with his surprise moves.

“Be strong.” Cel squeezed Isolde’s hand and walked out.

“Good luck,” Barron said as he moved past Johnny.

The large room emptied out, and an awkward silence floated in the air. Johnny held Isolde’s hand, sending her vibes for strength. Deacon remained sitting with his hands clasped between his legs.

“Dad,” Isolde began

He held up a hand. “Don’t get me wrong. I’m grateful to a point. Johnny took you to keep you safe. I would’ve appreciated a heads-up. Some kind of warningso that I wouldn’t worry so much. You’re my daughter, and he took you from my home. I was out of my mind.”

“Let me make something very clear: He didn’t take me. Johnny explained the circumstancesand what he had in mind, and because I trusted him, I went willingly.

“How can you trust him?”

---