15. Zeke
I’m running about fifteen minutes late for church but it was worth it. Cleo isn’t like any other woman I’ve ever met. She had me come on a random pair of panties, then she put them on her ex’s pillow.
Shawn Ferguson. I make a mental note to find out who the hell he is just in case he decides to start trouble.
“Where the hell have you been?” Snake asks when I walk inside.
“Exorcizing some demons.”
He sighs, shaking his head. “How many dead?”
This makes me chuckle. “None.”
He’s surprised and so is everyone else. They all expected me to be out causing trouble. I received my warning loud and clear. I respect the hell out of these guys. I only want the same in return.
“I’ll get back to it now that everyone is here. I’ve mentioned wanting to go legit for quite some time. I’ve been working on some deals to make that happen for us. The trafficking has to stop.”
“It brings in our biggest revenue,” Hawk points out.
“And it’s our biggest risk.”
Hawk’s jaw clenches. “The money makes it worth it. How do you suggest we make up that income?”
“I’ve met with Eagle about this. His family owns Bardot Distillery and he’s willing to let us in on the family business. The whiskey hustle is a lot safer than trafficking.”
“Is the money as good?” I ask, already knowing that answer. No money is as good as what human trafficking brings in unless you get in the hitman business.
Hawk doesn’t relent either. “And what about our other ventures? The drugs and gambling ring. You want us to quit all of that?”
“The money is decent. As for our other ventures, I told our supplier tonight was our last delivery.”
A rumble of disapproval spreads throughout the room. I knew he fucked up. We may be willing to stop the trafficking but we aren’t the type of men to do a one-eighty and become different people at the drop of a hat.
“Before we even discussed it?” Hawk asks, angrily.
“I understand some things are club nature, like the drugs and the illegal gambling. I am man enough to admit that I made a rash decision at the delivery. Which is why I called the supplier and secured our future business dealings. Without the threat of trafficking looming over our heads, we can continue our other ventures…for now. I would never lead you guys down the wrong path. This is a good thing for us. For the club. Let’s put it to a vote. No more trafficking.”
It isn’t unanimous and I feel like a total asshole voting nay but the majority vote carries. Snake approaches me after.
“Sorry I couldn’t have your back on this one,” I say. “Just isn’t my nature, man.”
He nods understandably. “I won’t say I’m not disappointed. The guys need to see unification. Split votes don’t help the club.”
“I wasn’t the only one who voted nay.”
“No. You’re just the only one I thought wouldn”t.”
He pats me on the shoulder before heading out. So, it’s official. The Devils are out of the trafficking business.
“Can you believe this bullshit? Dear old dad has gone soft,” Hawk says. “Whiskey hustle? He’s lost his fucking marbles.”
I shrug, Snake’s disappointment weighing heavy on my shoulders. “The vote carried.”
“Barely. Look, do you still have your Vegas contacts?”
“Maybe.”
“I’d appreciate it if you’d pass that info along to me.”
“Why?”
Hawk chuckles. “Jesus, man, because I fucking asked for it.”
“Yeah, whatever the fuck you’re planning, it’s a bad idea. I’m not getting involved in that bullshit.”
“What I’m planning? I’m planning on keeping this fucking club afloat. Pull your head out of my father’s ass, Zeke. He’s running this club into the ground.”
“That might be the case, but he’s still the president. That’s a title you’re never going to get.”