CHAPTER EIGHT
Cody—
Walking into Lucky’s, the six of us attract attention. Cole, Crash, and Shane lead the way, and TJ, Billy, and I follow.
The staff is assembled around the bar. There’s the manager, the assistant managers, a waitstaff of about ten, plus the kitchen staff. Altogether, about thirty people stare at us.
Cole shakes the manager’s hand, a guy by the name of Ray. He introduces his assistants as Dave and Ethan.
It’s obvious the staff know the club has purchased the bar, so there’s no need for Cole to announce it, and he just starts in with his spiel.
“Thanks for your time. Just a few things I want to make clear. We aren’t lookin’ to make any changes unless you give us a reason. This bar has a good reputation because customers get what they come here for: good food, good service, and a good time.”
He pauses and takes in every face, like he’s memorizing each one.
“From now on, you’ll be seeing members of the club up here on a regular basis.
If you have any issues, feel free to bring them to one of us, and I promise they will be addressed.
We want our staff happy and the work environment to be one that recognizes good work.
The only new policy regards performance; do a good job and you’ll get a quarterly bonus.
If you slack off or have an attitude, you won’t last long. ”
One of the bartenders coughs and looks bored.
Cole walks toward him, coming to stand in front of him.
“Finally, the last topic is one thing the club takes very seriously. Stealing will not be tolerated. That goes for food and booze, too. Don’t over pour your liquor, don’t drink on our tab.” He glances at all the employees. “You steal from us, you’re done. Is that clear?”
No one moves.
“Any questions?”
No one says a word.
“Then get back to work, everyone, and thanks for your time.” Cole looks at Ray. “Need to see the books, the inventory totals, and the liquor invoices.”
“Of course. My office is this way.”
Cole glances at the rest of us. “Crash, Shane, check the bar. TJ, Billy, Cody, check the kitchen.”
We nod, and he and Ray walk off. We’ve already been given instructions. Cole wants us to check for cleanliness and observe the systems they use and the working dynamic between the employees.
I follow TJ and Billy into the kitchen. It’s a big operation with stainless steel tables and several grills. Employees get to work prepping for the day's business. One chops lettuce for salads and makes up the prep station. Another starts chopping onions and tomatoes for the burgers.
The place looks clean and orderly.
“Which one’s in charge of the kitchen?” I murmur to Billy.
He lifts his chin to a petite woman with her hair in a bun and a white apron. She chops mushrooms with the speed and precision of a top chef, while giving orders to those around her. A young guy fires up the grill and spreads it with oil.
Apparently, the doors have opened, because soon food orders start coming in and things really get going. The “back of house” becomes a beehive of activity, everyone hustling to do their job, and all working with efficiency.
Shades appears in the doorway and motions for us to come with him. We follow him, Cole and Crash out to our bikes.
Cole lights up a smoke and looks at Crash. “How’d the bar look, VP?”
“Good. Everything was in order.”
Cole’s gaze swings to his son. “TJ?”
“The kitchen runs like a well-oiled machine.”
Cole nods. “Good. Let’s hope that continues.”
“How’d the books look?” Crash asks him, folding his arms and rocking on his heels.
“It’s gonna take some studying. Nothing was apparent, but I’ve got to go over the numbers.”
“Jake’s your man for that,” Shane says. “He’s good with that stuff.”
“Thanks. I’ll have to sit with him. I’ve got remote access to the computer files, so we can sign in at the clubhouse and look over everything.
We’ll pull the running totals before the dinner rush, and again at the end of the night.
I want to monitor the numbers and see if anything changes too drastically from the month prior.
Plus, I gained access before the old owner turned over the keys.
Had a service weigh all the liquor bottles.
After the weekend, I’ll have them come back, and we’ll see how much they’re over pouring. Heads might roll. Let’s go.”
“Mind if we swing by Gypsy Soul?” TJ asks. “I want to check in with Gigi.”
Cole nods, and we mount up and head out.
The tattoo shop has diagonal parking in front of it, and we back our bikes to the curb. Cole and TJ head inside, and the rest of us hang out at the bikes.
I watch through the plate glass as first TJ hugs his ol’ lady, and then Cole hugs his daughter-in-law.
Billy leans against a pole and folds his arms.
“How’s Melissa?” I ask.
“Good. She’s planning another one of those parties. All the ol’ ladies are invited.”
“Yeah, my ma said she was goin’.” I already know he’s talking about a painting party. “Apparently they’re all into it now.”
“I think it’s just an excuse to get together, drink wine, and gab,” he says.
“So what?” I shrug. “We watch football; they paint.”
“At least they’re having it at TJ’s place this time, since he’s got all that room.”
“So, beer and poker at your place?” I ask with a grin.
“Maybe.”
I lift my chin to Gypsy Soul. “This place doin’ well?”
“TJ says so. Gigi’s happy, that’s all he cares about.”
“Yeah, I get that,” I say.
“You don’t get shit, Cody. You won’t until you’ve got an ol’ lady of your own.”
“Bullshit. He gets it,” Shane says. “It’s not like he’s never had a girl, Billy.”
“Not one who matters.”
“You don’t fucking know that. Maybe they did matter,” Shane snaps.
“Then where the fuck are they?” Billy asks.
“Maybe not every woman wants to be a part of this. Not everyone is married to a club princess like you.” Shane takes a step toward him.
Billy lifts his palms. “Fine.”
“What’s the bug up your ass?” Crash asks Billy.
“Nothing. Just drop it.”
There’s something there, and we all know it, but Billy refuses to talk about it.
TJ and Cole come out, their faces tight with worry.
“What’s up?” Crash asks, frowning.
We all step closer.
Cole uses a hushed voice because we’re out on the fucking street.
“Gigi said a guy came in the other day. He wasn’t wearing a cut, but he had a Death Head tattoo on his forearm.”
“How would she know that?” I ask.
TJ glances at me. “She recognized it from doing tattoos up in Sturgis with her father.”
“Shit, prez. You think we’ve got Death Heads movin’ in on us?” I ask.
“No clue. Could be he’s an ex-member and hasn’t had it removed.”
“You don’t buy that for a minute,” Crash says.
Cole shakes his head. “Probably not.”
“Then what the fuck’s he doin’ here, and more important… is he the only one?” Shane asks.
“Could be visiting family,” TJ suggests.
“Could be scoping the area. Hell, they could be planning to infiltrate the entire state,” Shane mutters.
“We need to talk to the Temecula chapter,” Crash advises. “See if they know anything.”
Cole nods. “Yeah. Oregon, too.” He moves to his bike, and we mount up and head to the clubhouse.