Page 50 of Red's Peril: Part 1

“As I was saying,” I attempt to be stern, “I know you, but I don’t know Brick. Can we meet him before we make up our minds?”

Drummer’s always been fair. Not an easy man at times, but you know where you are with him. If Brick’s equally deserving of my respect, maybe it won’t be too great a change. But I’m wary, seeing as the reason he’s seeking support is that he’s finding running his club difficult. I can’t give my all to a man who has done nothing to earn it.

His moment of levity passed, Prez nods, and again his steel eyes become hard. “Brick wants to talk to each of you individually.”

“He know he’s only got a pool of two to call on?” Wraith asks, his jaw tightening.

Fixing him with his famous stare, Drummer retorts, “I ain’t getting rid of my rubbish to Vegas. I’m the mother chapter prez. It’s to my benefit all clubs run smoothly. I can’t send him my best, they’re already in the officer ranks. But either of you would adequately represent me, and I’ve already told Brick that. We talked through the others but discounted them.”

“Shouldn’t you give them the chance? Bright lights might attract one of them.”

“Red, I’ll bring this up at church, but I can fuckin’ guarantee not one brother will stand up and volunteer.” He smirks. “You all have too good a life here.”

Ain’t that the truth.

“I’d still like to see it offered to them,” I insist, my jaw set.

Wraith turns to me. The raise of his chin tells me he agrees. Time ticks on in silence for a few beats until Drummer slowly nods his head.

“Speak to Brick, make your decision, then I’ll raise it at church. If I’m wrong, and someone is willing, then we’ll reconsider. But I need to be in a position that one of you will step up.”

That’s fair, I suppose. Drummer’s eyes fall on our half-filled glasses. Both Wraith and I pick them up, raising and draining them together. When Drummer jerks his chin at the door, we both take the hint, stand, and walk out.

When we enter the clubroom, there, at the bar, are Brick and Rainman.My future prez and VP if I make this leap.From here, they’re typical bikers, downing a beer after a long hot, dusty and wet ride on the road. Rainman says something to Brick which makes him chuckle, but I can’t make a choice based on a man’s ability to laugh.

The prospect looks at his phone, then, politely, attracts the attention of the two Vegas members. He whispers something which has them turning, and beers in hand, they walk past, obviously on their way to a meeting with Drum.

Wraith nods his head to an empty table, away from prying ears. When we’re both sitting, he leans forward. “What the fuck do you make of that?”

“That this beautiful relationship between us is ending.” I lower my head into my hands. Wraith drew me into the club, showed me how to fuck for fuck’s sake. I owe him so much. Where would I be if I hadn’t met him? And if I don’t go to Vegas, he’ll go instead. How could I do that to him? But one way or another, our friendship won’t continue, or not in the same way that it has.

“You found your place here, Brother. I don’t want to upend you. I’ll go to Vegas.” He sits back and folds his arms.

“No fuckin’ way,” I growl, sitting forward. “This is your home, Brother. Me, I’m prepared to move on. Landed here by accident and not desire. Not to say I haven’t found what I want, but I can more easily start over somewhere.”

Wraith looks down at the table, then glances up with mirth in his eyes. “Look at us, each offering to fall on the sword for the other.”

I chuckle. Not that I think it will come to something as drastic as that, but I shudder at the thought of Wraith not having my back and having to depend on a so far unknown brother.

How the fuck can we decide? I come up with one answer. “Let’s meet with Brick. You know him, Wraith?”

“Not much more than you. Never been to the Vegas club, though I’ve met him on runs, and when he’s visited. Seems straight, a bit old-school like Drum. Would I want to ride with him? Can’t really tell.”

“Do you think there’s a pay raise to go along with the move?” I idly wonder out loud.

Wraith snorts. “From what I heard, it’s more likely a pay cut. Vegas sounds like it has problems making bank. Wanna beer?”

I consider then nod, knowing I should limit myself as I don’t want to make a decision I’ll come to regret when I’m drunk. But one beer on top of the whisky shots won’t hurt.

When Wraith turns to get Dale’s attention, I lean back in my chair. There have been a few good men who have proved a steering influence on me. My father when I was a child, then Manny, who’d given me a chance and direction when I was flailing. Drummer, well, he’s someone all would look up to. I need that in my life. I’ve not worn the patch for long and I’ve still a lot to learn. I only need to look at Peg, Blade and Lefty to realise that. Running a club is more than having fun riding around on a bike. If Brick is someone I can respect, this might work. If he’s going to leave me to flounder for myself, then I don’t think I’d have anything to offer. I don’t think it’s weak to admit I need guidance.

What the fuck is Drummer thinking by putting my name forward?

Dale arrives with our drinks. When Wraith lifts his beer, he changes the subject. “Most of the brothers are lusting after the new girl. Think Pussy’s feeling neglected.” He points to where she’s standing alone. “How about we play with her later?”

She was our first together, might as well be our last. Mentally, I slap myself at my macabre thought, and steer the direction in a different way, one that doesn’t harp on about the forthcoming change in our living arrangements. Soon, we’re having one of our heated discussions about the virtue of different Harley models, Wraith insisting I should upgrade, and me being perfectly happy with my old Harley girl. The mods I’ve made have increased her speed, and I can see no reason to get something different.

Overhearing, Beef joins us, and where he goes, normally too so does Rock. Soon, we’re all debating until Rock pulls out a deck of cards. He deals us all in, and I end up, as usual with him, losing my money.

---