Page 71 of Redemption

“There’s nothing to talk about. Conversation’s done.”

“I’m not much of a president if I don’t get the men a chance to speak and vote. You know that as well as I do.”

“Yeah, you’ll be the greatest fucking president of the Rising when what’s left of your club lies in an unmarked mass grave,” Psycho says. “I’ll help the Slashers take your asses out.”

Waylon cracks his knuckles. “You guys failed on your own. You tried, and we appreciate the fact you want to be your own entity, but you gotta understand you’re representing all the Drifters with shit like this. The logo on your back is all of us.”

“You’re not a separate entity, Chicago,” Jennings says. “Our entire reputation is on the line, and if you’re going to do something we don’t agree with, there’s no going back.”

“You’re fucking kidding me.”

“Knife or fire?” Psycho asks.

Ian’s mouth drops open. “What?”

“To take the Drifter ink off your skin. If we leave you without the Drifter logo, we’re taking it all with us. So, what’ll it be? Slice or burn?”

“This is stupid,” Flynn Jones says, a man Psycho isn’t sure he’s heard speak before. “We’re not going to hurt innocent people.”

“You’re voting against this?” Fox asks.

“It’s not going to vote. It got vetoed. It’s a stupid idea brought up out of anger and fear, but we wouldn’t move forward even if it did pass. The person you expected to carry out the stupid plan said no, and none of you guys are gonna step up to do it. Just fucking let it go because I’m not sticking around if the Drifters walk. I almost died too many times for this damned club before, and I won’t agree to certain death. Fuck all of you who assume we will.”

Ian shakes his head. “This doesn’t just go away because someone says no.”

“That’s kind of exactly how it works,” Psycho says. “You fucked up, and Daddy put you in your place. Deal with it.”

“Let go of your pride. That’s why we never get out of this push and pull scenario. The old ways didn’t work, and we don’t have to prove ourselves. We’re all big, bad, and have huge cocks, okay? Put ‘em away and just accept this wasn’t a good idea,” Flynn says.

Psycho nods at the man. He likes Derek, and he kind of likes Flynn now, too. Two of the original club… not great numbers.

Waylon leans on the table. “The sins of men won’t be taken out on their families. We’ve always stood by this.”

“When the Devils targeted my daughter-in-law,” Jennings says, “we took out five of their charters. Because the sins of one charter was reflected on all. That’s what we’ll do. We’ll attack the nearest charters. Take out as many men as we can.”

“Fine,” Chicago says through clenched teeth. His face flames as his nostrils flare. He’s not happy. Good. Serves him right.

“Psycho, let me know what’s decided. You guys always have rooms here.”

The line goes dead, and Chicago glares at them. Taking the officer patch, he tosses it back to him. “Put that back on, and let’s get back to planning.”

He tosses it back. “I don’t want that thing. Not anymore. I’m here because I’m a Drifter through and through. Jennings and the other Original Ten saved me when I was on a suicide mission, so I’m here to make sure our reputation doesn’t die with you. But after this bullshit, I can’t say I’ll be sticking around Black Valley too long after the dust settles.”

“Come on, Psycho,” Ian says. “We’re all heated, and we’re all angry. We’re not moving forward.”

“Doesn’t matter. I don’t know you guys like I thought I did. And I don’t fully trust you now. Bad decisions have consequences, and you gotta live with them. One of these days, you guys will finally learn that. But that’s not my seat anymore.”

Creeper rests his hand on his shoulder. “We got your back.”

“I know who I can trust, and who I’m not sure about. From here on out, consider me suspicious of everyone from the Rising. Minus Derek and Flynn. You two don’t seem to have your heads permanently shoved up your asses like the rest of them.”

West clears his throat. “Just so we’re clear, we’re a charter divided. We put our faith in you, and you showed us how big of a mistake that may have been. You have an opportunity to prove this isn’t who you really are, so I’d suggest you figure out how to do that. Because don’t think for a second the rest of us won’t walk if Psycho does. I stand by him over you, Chicago. All day, every day.”

York, the other Army Five, nods his head in agreement. “Better start kissing his ass, boys.”

Psycho moves to the end of the table and leans against the wall. He stares down Chicago and crosses his arms in a sign of defiance. Maybe he should’ve never left Griffin’s Beach.

Chapter 26

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