Page 247 of Misrule
Pearllene smiled. “Thank you, baby.”
Grabbing her glass of wine, she raised it, beaming between Knox and Roxy, and Mortician and Bailey.
“Mortician, you a better grandson to me than the motherfucker that got my blood running through his veins. You got me out of a scape or two with no questions asked. When I call you for something, you never say it’s a problem. You just get it done. Because I’m Bailey MeMe, I’m yours, too. Thank you for looking after all of us so good and being the fine man you are. Congratulations on renewing your vows and the new baby that’ll be coming in late fall.” Pearllene blew a kiss to Bailey. “MeMe love you, Bailey.”
Bailey stood and went to Pearllene, hugging her tightly. “I love you, too, MeMe,” she said, then released her and stepped aside so Mortician could take her place.
“Come here, old woman,” he said gruffly, bending down and hugging her.
Pearllene’s hearty laugh filled Roxy with joy.
“Chile, if I was just two hours younger, I think I’d have to give up the chooney to you,” Pearllene said around chuckles.
Rolling his eyes, Mortician released her. “Two hours ago your ass was still the same age.”
“Boy, don’t make me stick my foot up your ass. You know that was just me showing my wit.”
“Yeah, man, okay.”
Allowing Bailey to guide him away, Mortician offered Pearllene a last glower then took his seat.
“Roxanne, my precious baby,” Pearllen started, aiming her raised glass in their direction. “Oooo, wait, shit. I forgot to drink on Mortician and Bailey toast. Rectifying that immediately, she smiled again and resumed her position. “Roxanne, my precious baby, I never, ever thought your ass would be marrying a fourth goddamn time, but since you are, I’m so happy for you. This time, I hope you get the shit right. I’m about tired of you finding the wrong motherfuckers.”
“Knox isn’t the wrong man,” Roxy said with reassurance.
“Congratulations, baby,” Pearllene said, not responding to Roxy’s statement as she turned to Knox. “I heard you haven’t got pussy from Roxanne in months, so I hope you not sticking you dick in no other bitch.”
“Of course I’m not!” Knox said with indignation as Joan started to sob.
“Can you shut your momma up?” Pearllene asked.
“Oh, Joan, I understand,” Charlotte soothed, pushing out of her chair and rushing to Joan, guiding her to her feet. “Come. Let’s retire to the ladies’ room to calm you down.”
“Momma, that was a beautiful toast,” Roxanne said once Joan and Charlotte were gone.
“Sit down. I’m not finished.”
“Fuck.” Huffing out a breath, Roxy drained her wine glass.
“I got a little advice about bacon grease.”
“Oh, fuck no!” Roxy jumped to her feet as the distant sound of sirens reached her. “Don’t even say it, Momma.”
“Wait, I wanna hear,” Outlaw said.
“No the fuck you don’t,” Roxy snapped.
“Roxanne right, Prez,” Digger said. “I happen to like bacon and, if this conversation going in the direction I think it is, I won’t ever be able to chew on fried pig again.”
“I didn’t say a fucking thing about bacon,” Pearllene said with a sniff. “I said bacongrease.”
“You not getting the grease if you don’t fry the goddamn bacon,” Mortician huffed.
A loud bang prevented a response. The boys all jumped to their feet, drawing their weapons and inserting themselves of front of their wives. Hamish slid under the table, then yanked Pearllene down. Knox stood in front of Roxy, drawing a weapon of his own, while Cam mirrored his actions with Jordan.
“Drop your weapons!” an official-sounding voice commanded. “Now!”
When the guys complied and raised their hands, a sinking feeling dropped into Roxy’s stomach. Standing, she saw members of SWAT aiming rifles in the direction of the tables.
