Page 36 of Finish Line
“Somethin’ ain’t right with him, Prez,” Ratchet says, taking a seat.
“He just wants revenge for our fallen brothers,” I tell him.
“I’m not sure that’s all it is,” he tells me.
“Another conversation for another time,” I say. “Right now, we need to make a game plan for this cartel bullshit.”
“Light lockdown?” Ranger asks.
“That’s what I was thinkin’. Make sure all the Ol’ Ladies are here. Anyone can leave, but no one leaves alone. If one of the ladies needs to leave, two brothers go with them. No exceptions,” I tell them. “I plan to call Niko to get a meeting set up with Andrei Orlov to ask them for their help. He despises the cartel as much as we do, so I’m sure we’ll have their full support.
Ranger, Gunner, and Ratchet, I need the three of you to fill in all the brothers about the lockdown and make sure the women are informed as well. If they need to get anything from their homes, they’ll need to do that by the end of the day tomorrow.”
“Got it,” Ratchet says.
“Understood,” Gunner replies.
Ranger responds with a head nod.
“The three of y’all are dismissed,” I tell them.
Once the door closes behind them, I turn to Raze. “One day, I’m gonna pass the President patch down to you.”
“Why wouldn’t you give it to Shadow?” he asks.
“He’s been away from the club too long. He doesn’t know how we operate anymore,” I admit. “You have shown great leadership skills time and time again.”
“Thank you, sir. That really means a lot,” he replies.
“I’ve asked you to stay in here so you can start seein’ how I do things. Give you a foot in the door for when the patch is yours,” I explain. “So, if you have any questions, just ask.”
I dial Niko’s number, putting it on speaker so Raze can hear the conversation too.
“Ah, Bull, to what do I owe the pleasure?” Niko answers the phone.
“Niko, my dear friend, I’d like to have a sit down with your boss. Do you think you could arrange that?” I ask.
“What about?” his voice is amused.
“The cartel,” I tell him. “We need some reinforcements.”
He mutters something off in Russian, anger evident in his voice. “I will talk to him. We come to your clubhouse Tuesday at noon.”
“That works,” I reply.
“Oh, and Bull? He’ll want to know about his daughter . . .”
“His daughter and grandson are here and will stay here under a club lockdown,” I tell him.
“Keep them safe,” he warns.
“Always,” I say. He hangs up, ending the call.
“Usually, it’s an officer-only meeting for somethin’ like this, but since I’m gettin’ you prepped for Prez one day, you’ll need to be in on it too,” I explain to Raze.
“You got it,” he says with a nod.
“Now, go fill my daughter in on what’s goin’ on. I want y’all in the clubhouse, too.”
