Page 103 of Paladin's Hell

Chapter 33

Paladin

I don’t like doing this. The feeling that I’m going behind my new brothers’ backs is an uncomfortable one, but the Jay had made a good suggestion. I’m certain there’s something I’m missing, worried I’m letting personal feelings influence my suspicions. But Jay was right. This lockdown is serious, if the actions against the club escalate, then someone could be killed. When it could be a matter of life or death, if there are actions I can take which might potentially help, I’ve got to do what I can.

I’m in on all the church meetings, but no one else has hinted that they are thinking along anything close to the same line as myself. I’ve considered discussing my thoughts with Prez or the VP, but they might dismiss them out of hand. I may well be looking in completely the wrong direction, but owe it to everyone here to check things out.

While Jay was showering, I had indeed placed a call to Mouse.

“Mouse, it’s Paladin.”

“Well I didn’t expect to hear from you so soon. Missing us already? How’s it going in Colorado?”

“Good, Brother. Mainly good. I need to talk to you in confidence, Mouse. I might be completely wrong here, would rather it was kept away from Drummer’s ears for now as technically I’m going behind Hellfire’s back. But it could be important.”

There’s a sound which suggests Mouse is lighting a joint. “Depends what you want. I don’t like keeping Prez out of the loop. But talk to me and I’ll hear you out.”

That’s rich from him, considering how long he kept the club in the dark about Mariana, but I let it pass. I suppose his was a personal matter, what I’m asking could set chapters against each other. “There’s trouble here. Someone gunnin’ for the club. I’ve got an idea where fingers should be pointing, but because I’m new here…”

“You don’t know who to trust.” Mouse isn’t slow on the uptake.

“Got it in one. Need to delve into someone’s background.” I break off, wondering how to put this delicately. “I’ve not taken to him, Mouse. That could be influencin’ me.”

“Paladin, always thought you had a good head on your shoulders. Trust your gut. Give me the name and I’ll look into it for you. I turn anything up? Just promise you’ll take it to Hellfire and take any flack for keeping him in the dark.”

“That’s what I intend to do, Brother.” Christ, I miss him and my other brothers so much. I give him the name; he promises to get onto it. “Any news on the Herreras, and how are Mariana and Drew?”

“Heard nothing new from the Herreras. Mariana’s recovering slowly, but getting there. Drew’s missing Jayden.”

After last night, I recognise Drew was never any competition. He might have had a teenage crush, what’s between Jay and me is the real thing.

Before I end the call, I again stress the need for confidentiality.

“Never spoke to you, Brother. Now go do your shit. I’ll start lookin’ into it for you.”

I’ve just finished the call when Jay comes out of the bathroom. She looks so fucking beautiful. I’m damn proud to be her man.

Sitting through Mo’s apology was awkward, but at least it seems to have cleared the air. Jay’s not one to bear a grudge against anyone, and if she can let it drop, I’m happy to take my cue from her. It also means, when the VP crooks his finger and beckons me over, I can leave the clubhouse without worrying.

“Mo certainly went off on you and Jay last night, didn’t she?” Demon and I are checking the positioning of the new camera’s behind the auto-shop.

Reaching up, I slightly alter the angle of one, squinting my eyes to make sure the area’s going to be totally covered. “She’s apologised. Time to move on.”

“From what I heard, what she said didn’t make any difference at all.” He nudges me in the side hard and winks suggestively. Damn. Those walls in the clubhouse really are paper thin.

I feel myself flush. “Truth be told, Moira escalated matters. Well, her and that fucker Runt.”

“Yeah,” Demon frowns. “He was well out of fuckin’ line.” He pauses, and looks around, then leans in and speaks quietly. “What do you make of him, Pal?”

“Runt? After that display last night you could say I’m biased,” I reply carefully.

“Can understand that. Hey, is that camera working?”

“Should be. Why?”

“Can’t remember seeing this view earlier.” Demon gets out his phone. “Ah, my mistake. It’s there. Back to Runt. Apart from last night, what are your feelings?”

“He’s a prospect. I’ve not been here long enough to form a view, VP.”

---