Page 27 of Judge
Chapter 8
Judge
“The last of the kids Renae and the cartel had been keeping have been returned to their families,” Marx announces, the table erupting with cheers, boots stomping, fists banging the worn wooden table.
It’s been two weeks since we cleared out the scum. Cartel de Silencio and La Sombre Roja are now no more. Shit, even if they had some survivors across the border, their numbers have been decimated. Not to mention a little birdy named Roman may or may not have sent men down there in one last last sweep.
“In the last point of order,” Marx looks toward Pops who gives a simple nod, “we need to make a decision. The compound is a total rebuild. It can be done, but at great expense and time. Pops has very generously offered to have the compound moved here.”
Our shocked gazes all stare at Pops who starts to squirm in his seat. “Don’t get all choked up about it. I have the space, and Dayz and I do our best work in my office here,” he grumbles.
I try to hide my smile. He may act like a grumpy old shit, but he has a heart of gold. His Love Pres lessons have been enlightening to say the least. I may not have won over the girl,just yet, but I at least feel like we’re building something more akin to a friendship. Even if I have only seen her in passing this last week.
As soon as the cartel and Renae Sullivan were dealt with Kaia and the kids moved back home, not wanting the diner to be closed any longer than it had to be. Since reopening she’s been working double time to get back to where she was and Tank and I have been busy as fuck catching up with Devil’s Big Tow work. I’ve stopped by the diner for afternoon snacks and to see the kids, but I’m hoping to get into a better routine now that shit looks like it’s calming down.
“Because the land is so expansive, and Pops says he doesn’t need it all, it’s been agreed to divvy up the area to build more housing, much like the Tombs cabins already here,” Marx continues.
“Some of us will be adding on to the cabins,” Tav adds.
Marx nods in his direction. “So, all those in favor of relocating the compound to the farm, say aye.”
It’s unanimous as everyone yells their agreement. The compound was home to the DRMC, but the farm ishome. I have no other way to explain it.
“Good, we’re all in agreement.”
“What’s the timeline?” Fox asks, healing well with rest and the love of a good man.
“The Landrys have friends, a crew that left the Keep not long after they did. Apparently they can get shit built or renovated fast, so we’ll be bringing them in.”
“Like those Amish barn builders,” Rider pipes up. “I watch that shit all the time on TikTok, fucking impressive.”
Pops stares at him for a beat. “You need to get laid, kid.”
“I can’t,” Rider laments. “No woman is going to want a man with a dent in his ass and a missing nipple. I’m a nipless wonder.” He throws his hands in the air before hitting us allwith a glare. “I lost a nipple for you fuckers, the least you could do is give me the biggest room in the new clubhouse rebuild.” His glare turns into a smirk until Marx throws his pen at him, bouncing it off his big head.
“We thank you for your service, brother. If there isn’t anything else, Church closed. I got a woman to go see,” he grins.
We jeer and give him shit, but it’s nice to see Pres looking so fucking relaxed and happy. Lovely is good for him, and together they are a force to be reckoned with. I follow behind my brothers as we file out of the dining room, which is doubling up as Church for the meantime.
“Plans?” Tank asks, moving to follow me down the hall.
“Yeah, I gotta call by my parents.”
He rolls his lips between his teeth, stopping on the veranda beside me. “Dude, I know you ain’t dumb enough to not tell your Mom as soon as you found out you had a couple of kids out there.”
He stares at me and I stare back, not breaking eye contact. “Holy shit, you haven’t told them yet, have you?”
“I wanted to tell them in person, to their faces,” even before my lame excuse has finished falling from my lips Tank is shaking his head wide-eyed.
“Your mom is gonna shit, dude. And your dad will just sit there, in his favourite chair, thinking. Not saying a word.”
“You’ve been spending too much time with Rider. You’ve gone all dramatic,” I grumble.
“Dude, have you forgotten who my ol lady is? I don’t need Rider to influence me. I’ve got Mira.” He grins wide, clearly thinking about his woman.
I ignore his gooey eyes and move to walk around him, stopping when he asks what time we’re riding out. “We?” I raise a brow.
“You think I’m going to letmybest friend ride all that way, breaking such life changing news to his parents, all alone?” he waves a hand at me with a shit-eating grin. “No way, I’m coming.”
