Page 65 of Shine: Sins of the Father
Fiona—
In February, everyone is called to the clubhouse one Sunday afternoon, but we’re not told the reason. The ol’ ladies are just told to set up for a party. I think the older ones have been through this before and know exactly what to do.
I arrive late with Ella, Janey, and Tori, huddling in a corner by ourselves and gossiping. The men disappear for Church, and Cody comes over to see if we need any more drinks. Tori gets a beer, and Ella and I get colas.
The place is crowded, not just with our usual MC family, but with a lot of supporters and hang-arounds. I spot a bunch of War Dogs—the military riding club that the guys have been close with since long before I was born.
“Cody,” I say when he returns with our drinks. “Who are those new guys?” There are a couple of them behind the bar.
“I think Cole’s going to let them become prospects. They’ve been hang-arounds for a while.”
“Are they good guys?”
“Pete and Joe? Yeah. I like them. They pitch in and help whenever we need extra hands, and they’re not loud or obnoxious about their partying. It’s like they respect the honor it is to be allowed in the clubhouse, and don’t take it for granted, drinking all the beer like some others do, ya know?”
I nod. “Any idea what this party is about? Is it to make them prospects?”
“Nah, I don’t think so.” He shrugs. “Guess we’ll find out at some point. Wave at me if you need anything, okay?”
“Thanks.”
He winks and walks off.
“He’s cute,” Janey says, her eyes on his ass as he goes.
I giggle and elbow her. “Don’t even think about it.”
Soon, the men return.
“Quiet, everyone,” Cole calls out.
Everyone stands and forms a circle, and Janey and I push through on the edge to see what’s happening. There’s an open area, and Cole motions to Crash, who steps forward with something in his hand, but I can’t make out what it is.
Cole emits a whistle. “Cody. Get your ass over here.”
I glance toward the bar and see his face pale.
Harley Jean, Tori, and Melissa move in behind us, and Melissa leans to whisper in my ear.
“Cody’s getting patched in.”
My mouth drops open, and I whirl. “You’re sure? For real?”
She grins and nods. “Billy told me they took the vote earlier today. I’m happy for Cody. He’s waited so long.”
I go up on my toes and search the crowd, finding his parents, Jake and Layla, across the room. Jake is standing with his circle of brothers, but Layla is right behind him in the crowd. They’re both smiling. It must be true.
Cody steps forward, and I see his Adam’s apple bob in his throat.
“Cody, raise your hand. Do you swear an oath to the brotherhood of the Evil Dead MC? Do you from this day forward swear to abide by the rules of the club and to respect your colors, and to put the club above all else?”
“I do.”
“Evil Dead. First, last, and always,” Cole states.
Cody repeats it. “Evil Dead. First, last, and always.”
Cole grins and shakes his hand, pulling him in for a backslap. “Welcome to the club, brother.”
