Page 84 of Baiting Kong

“I’ve got a series of engagements that kick off on July twenty-seventh,” Pope declared. “Could use some help on the road, so if anyone knows someone who’d like to earn some extra money helping with setup, manning the merch table, and keeping the damned thing stocked so no one’s holding up theline while someone’s out in the van digging around to see if they can find more books, T-shirt, or whatever, I’d sure appreciate it. I’ll have another series of readings and signings in September too.”

“When are you gonna think about taking on some full-time help?” Dupris asked.

“When you learn to stop asking useless questions,” Pope snapped, glaring until Dupris sat down.

Pope was an easygoing dude who preferred to focus more on gathering the history and artifacts of biker club culture than dirtying up his fists, but only because he’d put in the work for years as a club enforcer and at fifty-three had finally stepped aside to let someone else take his spot. His difficulties keeping a long-term, full-time assistant were almost legendary at this point. He didn’t just want someone popping in and out and punching a clock, he was looking for a boy who could be both lover and personal assistant and the right one just hadn’t come through the doors of Joker’s wild yet.

“Since you have the floor, Pope, I think we’d all like to hear who you think should fill your boots,” Mark declared, pointing the gavel at him.

There was no doubt in Kong’s mind that Mark had recognized that Dupris had hit a nerve that might have led to an eruption of Pope’s infamous temper if he’d continued to poke at that wound much longer. Moving to settle the issue of his former position gave Pope something else to focus on. For several long seconds he drummed his fingertips on the table before his eyes drifted past Kong to focus on Creature sitting in the chair beside him.

“I think the majority of us saw the way you handled things at the accident site the other day,” Pope said. “You know how to prioritize and keep a cool head. I think it’s that same kind of cool under pressure that we need in the enforcer role now more thanever. You immediately clocked that there were enough bodies on hand to sort out the confrontation that was taking place, and you switched your focus to Rainy and how to get his bike out of that ditch. A good enforcer knows when to be by his president’s side and when to step in and take care of the things the president can’t focus on in the moment. It’s not all about fighting and settling the issues of the club by getting bloody. It took me a while to discover that, which puts you leaps and bounds ahead of me already. With a little seasoning, I think you could serve this club well in that capacity.”

As he spoke, several other gazes settled on Creature, heads nodding while others stroked scraggly beards and neatly crafted goatees, pondering his words.

“Think you’re up to the challenge?” Mark asked as Kong turned to look at the man seated beside him.

Creature appeared equal parts stunned and contemplative before finally giving a nod.

“I’m up for it,” he declared.

“Then pass your kutte to Kat when the meeting is over, and she’ll add your new patch,” Mark said before running his fingers through his hair. “I think that brings us to the final order of business and some concerns I have about the management currently running the strip club.”

While there were several shocked expressions around the table, a few looked slightly uncomfortable while North just hung his head.

“Sorry,” he said. “I know I vouched for Killian and Trevor, but my boy started to notice some suspicious behavior that we immediately reported to Mark.”

“Danger’s been going over the books,” Mark declared. “And it’s starting to look like they’ve been cooking them. Once he has a full report for me, we’ll sweep through and gut the place, put our own people in those positions and any others that need staffed.”

More grumbled curses followed his words, along with discussions of retaliation he quickly put a stop to. A short time later, he banged the gavel at the edge of the table and brought the meeting to a close.

“Kong, I need you to hang back for a moment,” he said as folks started heading for the door.

Creature clasped Kong’s shoulder as he moved to step around him. “I’ll text the boys so they can head down.”

“Thanks.”

“Does that mean you guys have finally settled the bullshit between you?” Mark asked after the room cleared out.

“Not completely, but we’re well on the way.”

“Good, keep at it,” he said. “I want you to go ahead and start blueprints for a factory remodel to encompass the businesses I mentioned earlier. If you can work out how to set up some forges out there, that would be a bonus. I need you to work with Danger on the figures too but be careful when you stop by his office. That kid, Roan, who tried to use you as a stripper pole, has been hanging out in there playing fetch and carry to keep his ass out of trouble.”

“Thanks for the warning,” Kong replied. “Scout was pretty pissed when I caught up with him after that.”

“I bet he was,” Mark said. “Not sure how you’d fare if him and Axel decided to gang up on you.”

“Yeah, well, I’m certain that I don’t want to find out.”

“I’ve got an ask.”

“Let’s hear it.”

“My sister’s son, Seth, just graduated from college with an architectural degree, and already he’s running into some challenges getting work.”

“Such as?”

“You’ve met Seth, right?”

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