Chapter 3
Three
Devil
The group is loud. Laughing and joking, giving each other a bunch of shit as Ghost and I head into the meeting room. We both take a seat at the front of our table. It was a gift from Ghost when the charter was established. It's got our patch carved in the middle, and there are removable plates for names in front of where everyone sits.
I glance around, taking it in. When I started as a prospect, I never thought I'd be sitting where I am right now. It was a dream, but not reality. At least not mine. I was brought up in a family that was so far from where a MC president would come from, it would be laughable now if they knew what I was doing. Right or not, some of these men have become my family.
They notice that we're sitting there and one by one everyone starts to quieten and pay attention. When I have all eyes on me, I bring the meeting to order. After going over a few of the pertinent issues, I do the one thing Dani's dad never did. "Anyone got anything else they'd like to talk about or ask?"
"I do." Dime raises his hand.
The most important thing to me is to let the guys feel as if they're a part of a family, that they have a voice. It allows us to feel closer, and lets them know they have a say so. It's why they never question me when I ask them to do things for me. I have their loyalty, and there's nothing I will give for it. "The floor is yours."
"We need to hire some more workers at the garage." Dime passes out a few pieces of paper. "I'm dying over there. What started as a way for us to do shit under people's noses has become a legitimate way to make money. We're booked out for three weeks."
I groan. "So you're suggesting bringing in non-members?" The more people we bring in, the more I have to juggle situations. No one knows those situations like I do, but the more bodies we put near us, the slicker I have to be. I have to protect myself and the club. This is going to be harder than anyone realizes, but I can't let them see. This is my responsibility to bear, and I will. Being president is the most important job I have right now, besides being Daniela's husband. I can't let any of them down, and I refuse to.
"If that's what we have to do. I don't see you coming to help any more than you already are. We need non-members to do the garage so the rest of you can continue working on the grow op."
He's got a point, and the silence in the room says more than anything else does. There are nods of agreement. "Where do you propose I get these people? Want me to put a job ad in the paper? That feels like we'll be inviting anyone and everyone to apply."
Ghost speaks up. "I'd much prefer this to be a situation where you all suggest friends or vouch for someone you know. I don't want strangers. We have secrets they could learn and use against us if they so chose to."
I hear what he's saying, and I don't disagree. "So before we hire, we need to set up a process. There has to be vetting. We don't want someone in here we don't trust, but I firmly believe Dime should be the one who does the actual hiring. He runs the garage."
"I agree with that." Ghost nods. "Set this up to your satisfaction and we'll approve it."
"Alright. Moving on, who all is riding with us on Friday? I need fifteen." Hands go up around the table, along with murmurs of acquiescence. I make note of everyone on a piece of paper. Moving my pen up and down the page, I count the amount. "That's seventeen, so I have some alternates if I need 'em." Turning my attention to Storm, the member in charge of our grow operation, I tilt my head to the side. "Are we on track to deliver everything they wanted?"
He nods, before taking a drag of his cigarette. "Yeah, we might have a bit more we can throw in for good measure. Dani's soil is killing it. This is some of the best product we've ever had. As soon as we have a few buys with this quality, we'll be able to increase prices."
"My wife is way smarter than she gives herself credit for. Be sure and let me know what sales look like, and we'll consider raising." I situate myself in the seat, and glance around. It's late, and it's apparent the guys have had long days. I'm losing their interest quickly. "Does anyone have anything else they'd like to talk about? If not, I think we can all agree that we're ready to get outta here. Let's head home."
I watch the guys as they leave. Today it was hot as fuck and they all worked hard. I need to get with Dani and plan a night for everyone to hang out. We can have some food, get the pool opened, and get the family together. Morale is lower than I would like because we've been so busy. Letting our hair down and having a fun night needs to be our top priority.
As I walk through the great room, shutting off all the lights, I meet up with Ghost again. "Be careful." He says. "There's a strange current running through this place. I can't quite put my finger on it."
Reaching over, I put my hand on his shoulder. "I feel it too. Laurel Springs PD is getting closer. Some of our sources inside have told us."
He sighs heavily, the weight of being the person in charge an enormous burden to bear. His responsibility is the entire club, not just one charter. "That's what I'm worried about. We'll try to get some information gathered and get it to you."
"I'll be doing it on my end too, Ghost. Thanks for everything."
He sighs. "I'm headed out. Got a long trip back."
"Be safe. I'll be in touch."
As I watch his bike leave, I can't help but wonder if what I'm doing is going to blow up in my face.