Page 112 of Being Lost

“You came through,” Salem takes over again. “Pulled us together as a functional unit once again. Not sure there’s any other man who could have done that. You, with Dart as VP by your side. You care about this fuckin’ club, Lost. Care about each of us, whether we live, die, have food in our bellies and enough money to get by. Three years ago, I wasn’t certain if I could trust again, but hell, Prez, you showed me I could.”

“Goes for all of us, Brother.” Brakes speaks up, his words echoed all around.

I’m humbled. Disbelieving. Fuck me, there are even tears in my eyes. But I can’t say they are wrong. Snake would have told the men to jump, and that’s what they’d have done. But in the right direction or high enough? He didn’t give a fuck. I have a personal reason to know he didn’t care who lived and who died. In the end, he all but destroyed the club with his selfishness.

But to hear them say they’d already picked me before Drummer had said a word? That their doubts had been whether the club had a future, not that it was me they were worried about riding behind? And then to hear they acknowledged what Dart and I had done when we pulled this club back together. I’m a man. I don’t cry. And I’ll be damned if I wipe away tears that threaten to fall, but I’m so fucking full of pride.

I have no idea how to respond to their words. I can’t express how I’m feeling to hear they’ve got confidence in me and giving me the assurance that should this go wrong, it won’t be for lack of preparation.

“Can we go over Plan Z again as I kind of lost it at Y?” Snips quips, I think to break the emotional overload I don’t think I’m the only one to be suffering from.

I try to think of something, anything I could say to respond, but can’t find words that will cut it just now.

Dart notices my predicament, or perhaps it’s because he shares my own plight. Instead of a great speech, he bangs his fist over his chest. “For Smoker. For us. Tonight we’ll ride. Ride Satan’s Devils. Satan’s Devils Ride together.”

Our battle cry is taken up from every seat.

My ears are still ringing when the meeting finally breaks up.

Word’s clearly gone around that something’s happening tonight. I was right to warn Patsy as it’s obvious. No one would have needed to say anything, it’s hard to hide that Smoker hasn’t returned, and with brothers disappearing at all hours it’s obvious that something’s about to go down. Out in the clubroom the sweet butts are noticeably quiet and keeping to themselves. I hear one word whispered time after time,revenge.Yes, that’s what’s expected when we’ve lost one of our own.

Weapons are being checked and made ready. Wrangler and Curtis are rushing around, making sure hands have beers close by.

I see the man I’m looking for. He’s standing alone, looking uncertain. I make my way over there now.

“Dan.” I greet him with a chin lift. “Where’s your mom?”

“She and Eva are making sandwiches. They thought something quick and easy would suit you tonight.”

They’re right. No one’s in the mood to sit and chat over a plated meal, something they can eat while still making preparations will do well.

“Need to discuss something with you.” I point to an empty table, and Dan precedes me to it. When we’re sitting down, I continue, “Can’t give you the details. But we’re all heading out tonight.”

I’ve caught his interest. “How can I help?”

“I need to take Curtis with me. Want you to stay here with Wrangler and keep the compound buttoned down.”

He pulls back his shoulders. “I can do that. I won’t let you down.”

“You got a gun?”

He shakes his head. “Go see Grumbler. He’ll see your sorted out. I take it you know how to use one?”

He rolls his eyes. “Sure do.”

“Good. When this is over, we’ll talk about getting you onboard as a prospect, okay?” The brothers will need to vote on it, but I doubt anyone would raise an objection. And if we patch Curtis in, then we’ll be a prospect short and we don’t have anyone else waiting.

His eyes have lit up. “I won’t let you down, Prez.”

“Not your prez quite yet,” I tell him with a smile. “But someone’s got a new title. Your mom told you she’s my official ol’ lady?”

“Official?” His eyes go wide. “You got an unofficial one too?”

I make as if I’m going to hit him. He jumps back with a laugh. Then his face falls. “There is no way in hell I’m going to be calling you Dad.”

“Thank fuck.” I grin back at him.

“Got a minute, Prez?”

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