Chapter Two. #2
“Doesn’t want it. You should be VP here, but it won’t happen. Falcon, you’ll not push for your legacy when Dante steps up. VP is something I can offer you,” I pressed.
“Deal.” Falcon didn’t argue, and I laughed at how easy that had been.
“That quick?” I asked.
“Yup. You’re right, I won’t demand my rights, and I don’t want to be Dante’s VP.” Falcon’s expression showed what he didn’t put into words. The same thoughts that Rosie had shared.
“Welcome aboard, Veep,” I said and clasped arms with him. Falcon smiled, and I saw movement. Ace stood watching us, with a mixture of pride and pain on his face. He nodded in approval before disappearing into the clubhouse shadows again. Falcon turned his head, but Ace had gone.
“You’d better let your parents know,” I stated with a slight wince. I was glad I didn’t have to tell Artemis.
◆◆◆
I glanced around the meeting room. We were using it to finalise ranks in the club. Falcon sat on my right, a VP patch on his chest. Next to him was Ghost, with his new cut. Those who were entering looked a little surprised at seeing him.
“Didn’t expect you, asshole,” Hunter said as he grabbed a seat.
“Bet you didn’t.” Ghost bared his teeth in a smile.
Gauntlet and Savage exchanged looks, sat down, and glared at Ghost, who kept smiling at them.
Ghost was making them uncomfortable on purpose, and I nearly chuckled.
Ice, Harley, and Christian entered next, and I decided Christian really needed a road name.
The fact that he hadn’t got one yet was a miracle. Klutz was last and shut the door.
“We’re it?” Klutz asked.
“Yes, Sin did try offering up Jett, but I had to refuse,” I replied, and everyone laughed.
“Surprised to see you here,” Savage said to Hunter.
“Mina. She copes with the general public but hates being out in it. A camp surrounded by trees and on land we control is heaven-sent for her. Gonna miss Jett, Blaze, and Slate, but they can’t exactly leave.” They were the three Hunter had prospected with.
“Okay, Falcon and I have been discussing roles. Ghost has had some input as well,” I said.
“Great, I’m on scut for life,” Hunter groaned, and Ghost grinned.
“Guess I’m on shitter duty,” Savage growled with a dark look at Ghost.
Ghost spun in his seat, and when he turned back, he had a mop and bucket in his hand. Savage gaped before roaring with laughter.
“Knew one of you would bitch,” Ghost replied as everyone joined in.
“Well played!” Klutz exclaimed.
“Running down the roles. Falcon is Veep. Christian, and we’re going to get you a road name, is SAA.”
“You want me for that?” Christian asked, surprised.
“Yeah. Ice and Savage—enforcers. Harley—secretary, and Gauntlet will be the Road Captain. Hunter, I’d like you to take cleaner. Your patch will state Lieutenant, but you’ll be the cleaner,” I said when everyone calmed down.
“Can’t exactly advertise that role,” Hunter agreed.
“Nope. Lieutenant covers a multitude of sins,” I replied to his nod. “Ghost is chaplain, and Klutz is our medic.”
“You’re putting us all in the inner circle?” Christian asked.
“Why the hell not? You stepped up, and we need people we can trust in these roles. Tech, Treasurer, and Tail Gunner we’ll find when the right brother comes along.”
There was a knock at the door, and the last person I expected ever to see entered.
“Oh no!” I exclaimed, pointing a finger.
“Suck it up, son, I’m coming,” Texas replied.
“Penny and the kids!” I snapped, my voice going high. Amused glances were being exchanged as Texas yanked out a seat and sat down. He reached over and snatched my list of names from me.
“Ah, good, my role is open.” Texas pulled a pen out, wrote his name down, and slid the paper back to me.
“Treasurer,” I whispered and shook my head in disbelief.
“Thought you’d take my baby girl and grandkids to another state without me?” Texas challenged.
“You bleed Rage, you’re a second gen!” I exclaimed weakly. I didn’t want my father-in-law breathing down my neck.
“Yup. And I’ll still bleed it. Just in Minnesota.”
“Fuck!” I muttered. “What about Penny and the kids?” I asked, grasping at straws.
“They’re all coming. Penny’s looking forward to retiring and running the clubhouse kitchen.”
That was a bonus; Penny was a fuckin’ amazing cook. I perked up a little.
“Thought you’d run off with my baby-girl and grandbabies?” Texas tutted again and shook his head. Ghost began to chuckle as others joined in. I was fucked.
“I’m President,” I snapped.
“Sure, kid!” Texas retorted, teasing in his voice. This was going to be hell.
◆◆◆
“Calamity!” Texas called.
“Yeah?” I replied, more than a little disgruntled.
“In there, I was messing with ya. In the privacy of our homes, I’ll make you jump through hoops.
But in front of everyone, you’ll be Prez.
If I show you disrespect, others will. Your father-in-law, bowing his head, will cause others to respect you as well.
And I won’t ever undermine your position.
You earned this, kid, and I’m fuckin’ proud of you. ”
With that, Texas marched off.
“He’ll be a good addition. None of you are frightened of getting your hands dirty. But Texas and Ghost, they’re old school, and you’ll need a bit of that, Calamity,” Drake said from behind me.
I held his gaze. “Probably.”
“Definitely. As much as we try to stay clean, trouble will find us because of our values and morals. You’ll need these two,” Drake continued.
“Even a new start is full of pitfalls,” I mused.
“Yeah, but you’re the best person to navigate them. Don’t forget to reach out to the allied MCs. While you fall under our remit, it’s respectful to speak to them and offer your allegiance. Let them know they’re welcome in MN too,” Drake stated.
“I had considered that,” I replied.
“Good. Keep those ties tight. We split blood between us. The newcomers won’t understand that, but your inner circle will.
Kick anybody who can’t show respect to our legacy.
And always trust your gut, Calamity, because I don’t know anyone like you, son.
You’re fuckin’ special and need to remember that.
When you lead, it’s instinctive. Don’t let people undermine you, not even Ghost or Texas, those old grizzlies. ”
“I can’t believe you released Texas.”
“The man still wants to make amends, Calamity. Texas beats himself up over what happened. He’s shit-scared of missing out on something and will continue to break his back to prove he’s worthy of you and your family. He’s Rosie’s dad, and your kids’ grandfather, and he loves you like a son.”
“Now he does,” I replied. I searched my feelings. Did some bitterness linger because of what Texas had done? I didn’t sense any.
“And that’s why you were chosen. You know when to move forward,” Drake said with approval.
I nodded. Praise was hard for Billy Tomkins to take, and as much as I was Calamity now, I was still that scared, abused kid deep down. That boy wouldn’t ever leave me, but he certainly helped guide me away from the wrong path and kept me on the straight and narrow. Mrs Travis would be proud.