Page 14 of Paladin's Hell

This isn’t the first time he’s mentioned it. “Thought you’d decided it was someone taking out a part and not recording it.”

A quick smirk covers his face. “Well, mechanics are good at the shit they do, not so much on keeping paperwork up to date.” He nods, considering. “Still prefer that explanation, rather than thinking there’s someone with light-fingers.”

“Much going missing?” asks Buzzard, concerned. “High or low value?”

“Low,” Pyro confirms. “And it’s not regular, just occasionally.”

Buzzard raises his chin at me. “I’ve not seen anything in the books to worry me. Yeah, so sometimes it doesn’t tally, but not by much.”

My brow creases, then I make a decision. “Keep an eye on it, Pyro. I hope it’s just someone making a genuine mistake.” I don’t add that if it isn’t, stealing from the club, even if it’s just the odd oil filter, would be taken very seriously. I wait for Pyro to acknowledge the undercurrent in my words, when he gives a sharp nod, I know he’ll be on it. “Okay, other business.”

Cad waggles his fingers in my direction. He’s so light skinned and his hair so fair, if it wasn’t for his dark brown eyes you might think he was albino. Brothers gave him his handle, Cadaver. His complexion is his own fault, he spends most of his time inside all but hooked up to his computers.

When I nod, he speaks. “Got a new police chief coming in. I’m working on getting some background.”

It’s information, not a question, I just nod. “Anyone got anything else?” When no one speaks, I prepare to raise the topic I need to. Reaching into my pocket I take out my smokes and light one up, pulling one of the ashtrays toward me. Then I begin to explain about Jayden and Paladin. They listen carefully, then start asking questions about the new member I’m proposing to bring on board.

Thunder is suspicious. “Any bad blood in Tucson?”

Valid question. “None at all. Brother’s about as trustworthy as they come,” I explain.

“He’s young.” Demon puts in.

“Yeah, patched in when he was nineteen. Held his patch just over two years.”

“Permanent move?” questions Thunder.

I shrug. “Depends if they can sort out their problems in Tucson.” There’s a round of laughter at this. I’ve lost count of the times we’ve had to help the Arizona club out.

“Need a vote, Brothers. Or has anyone got anything more they want to ask?”

“Not a question, but this is my view if anyone’s interested.” All eyes go to Mace, a few chin lifts too. “We’ve never had someone patch over before. Tucson had their own problems when they let that fucker from San Diego in.”

I nod, he’s right to bring that up. Though we’re not in the same chapter, we’re all well aware that man turned out to be a rapist. “They’ve been more cautious since. Haven’t had issues with anyone else.”

Bomber raises his hand. He’s not a man to speak much, but when he does, we all listen. Experience counts for a lot. “People prospect for a reason. To earn trust. You’re saying we rely on our Tucson brothers having sussed out this Paladin for us?”

“Talking about the mother chapter, Brother. Got no reason not to trust Drummer.” I can understand their reluctance. Club here is close knit. Hard for even prospects to patch in. Only recently we turned away Smithy who’d prospected nearly a year, but we’d decided he hadn’t made the grade.

“You happy with this, Prez?” Demon asks, knowing my word will count for a lot.

I take a moment, draw on my second cigarette of the meeting, and let smoke out, giving time for a considered answer. “I am,” I say firmly.

“Well let’s vote,” the VP suggests. “Unless anyone else wants to say something?”

They don’t. We vote. A few reluctantly, but all say aye in the end. Paladin can transfer as a full member.

Sparky suddenly remembers he wanted to bring something up. A run he’s organising in a couple of months when the weather grows warmer. We spend a few minutes thrashing around the details. Then, sensing brothers are getting restless, I bang the gavel for the millionth time in my life, and church breaks up.

“Having a beer or headin’ home, old man?”

I throw a punch at Demon, well-practiced, he jumps back and evades it. “Less of the fuckin’ old, son.” I warn him. “Could still take you down with a hand tied behind my back.”

“That I’d pay good money to see,” Mace cuts in.

“Beer,” I belatedly answer Demon’s question, and pointedly ignore the enforcer, not wanting to acknowledge his point that nowadays, it’s questionable who’d win out of me and the VP. “I’m staying here tonight. Roads are icing up out there.”

“Prez. Want some company?” Bella, one of the club girls, has overheard me. Her arm snakes around my waist. “Maybe later,” I tell her, watching her pert ass sway as she walks away at my answer.

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