Page 5 of Marcus: Sins of the Father

TJ comes to a stop next to us. We each grab as many boxes as we can carry and head inside.

“Wish we could have just dropped these at Green's house,” TJ mumbles.

Billy nods. “He wanted them brought here.”

We fumble to open the door, and as soon as we cross the threshold the lights flip on, and there before us is just about every brother in the San Jose chapter. Fuck.

Green is sitting on a chair by the pool table. He taps the felt. “Put 'em here boys.”

I dump my armful on the table, as do the others.

“Look at these big boys pickin’ up junk food for Green,” somebody calls out.

“I can’t believe he trusted the prospects for such an important job,” Red Dog adds, grinning from ear to ear. Leave it to Billy’s old man to add to his embarrassment.

“He does take his snacks seriously.” Shane leans back, folding his arms.

We turn to get the rest, hoots and hollers following us out the door.

“Fuckin’ hell. I’m ready to be done with this bullshit.” Billy slams the van door shut.

We dump the rest, and Green counts it like he’s some bookie checking the money.

“Forty-four, forty-five, forty-six. Good job, boys. Any troubles?”

“Nothing we couldn’t handle,” Billy replies.

Green arches one eyebrow. “What was the problem?”

“They were short one, so we got you another.”

“Good to know you take your job seriously.”

It's only when Billy’s old man gives a thumbs up that it dawns on me this was all a test.

Billy jerks his gaze to Green. “You knew we’d be short?”

“'Course, I did,” Green confirms. “Told the man you’d ask for an extra and to tell you he didn’t have it. Wanted to see how committed you were to getting a job done and done right. You passed. You took your sweet time though, so I'm only gonna give you a B+.”

Billy points at the boxes. “That shit was hard to find.”

“I told you they were, didn't I?” He rips open a box and tosses each of us a Christmas tree cake. “Enjoy!”

“This better be the best shit I’ve ever tasted,” TJ grumbles.

“If it’s not, you better fuckin’ lie,” Billy whispers and takes his cake to the bar. TJ and I follow. We all need something stronger than a sugar high after this night.

“It pairs well with whiskey,” Green shouts after us.

Wolf chuckles. “Doesn’t everything?”

“I think I’ll just go with a glass of brandy.” I waggle my brows as I bring up the highlight of my night.

“What’s up with Marcus? You’d think he’d be a little sour after your mission. You know, kinda like the two of you.” Crash tips his beer toward Billy and TJ.

I break into a wide smile. “I’m just thinking about the thrill of climbing Mount Everest.”

Crash frowns. "What the fuck?"

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