Chapter 53
Vienna
An emergency meeting was called as soon as the clean-up crew arrived to deal with the mess.
As we’d been waiting, we’d both gone round the flat and snapped pictures of everything we could see, and left the crew with strict instructions to deliver all their findings to the clubhouse this evening.
As each man entered Church, they soon picked up on the mood, and all laughing and joking ended at the door. They took their seats, keeping wary eyes on me and Dante, and then looked at the empty seat that had belonged to Mike.
“Everything okay?” Riley asked, looking between me, Dante, and Hacksaw.
“I hope your schedule isn’t busy,” I replied to our peacemaker. “Because the past few days have been nothing short of a shit show.”
“Why am I not surprised?” Monster said, rubbing his hands over his eyes.
“Worse than Michelle?” Riley asked, paling considerably.
We all looked at Dante, who lit a cigarette before talking.
“There’s no point beating around the bush, brothers,” Dante said, taking a deep draw.
“Mike was murdered recently. We’re not sure exactly when it was, but the time doesn’t matter.
A brother was lost, and out of respect, everyone please bow your heads in a two minute silence for a fallen member of the Disciples. ”
We all did as he asked without hesitation, bowing our heads and remaining in utter and complete silence.
When the moment was complete, Dante spoke again. “Mike was not a patched member, and we all know it. But I would like his picture up on the wall with the rest of them.”
“Reasoning?” I asked, not because I wanted an explanation, but because it was protocol. Whenever someone made a motion, it was put to a club vote, majority ruling. Since the president was putting forth the motion, it fell to my shoulders to question him.
This was club procedure, and my job. Nothing more.
“Mike was reaching the end of his prospect status, and I think we can all agree he met the terms to patch up.”
A murmur of agreement went around the room.
“But above all else, Mike took the initiative during Church. When he had a lead on Nico, he went against a direct order and spoke up, stating his case. That takes some balls. And it was ultimately that initiative that got him killed. He died for the brotherhood, and that deserves a place of respect next to the other fallen brothers. I won’t have him buried in the graveyard—I think that is a step too far, and ultimately his funeral and burial are something his family should be arranging.
Though I will donate some of my own money out of respect.
But I think the least we can do is honour him our way. The club way.”
“Let’s take it to a vote,” I said, picking up Dante’s presidential gavel. It’s a yes from Dante and me. Hacksaw?”
“Aye.”
“Trent?”
“Sure.”
“Doc?”
“Having seen the state of the boy… yes.”
“Riley?”
“Yes.”
“Ant?”
Ant nodded gravely.
“Chris?”
“Yes.”
“Divorce?”
“Fine by me.”
“Monster?”
“Sure, brother.”
“James?”
“Yes.”
“Liam?”
“Yes.”
“Greg?”
“Aye.”
“Rooster?”
“No.”
“Chicken?”
“Yes.”
“Tools?”
“Yes.”
“Sunshine?”
“Yes.”
“Pivot, you’re our last remaining prospect. We’re going to give you the opportunity to vote—though it’s already unanimous, but this feels like something you have every right to weigh in on. You were the closest to him.”
“I think it’s the right thing to do for Mike,” Pivot nodded, looking at the empty seat next to him.
“Then we’re in agreement,” I said, banging down the gavel. “Riley, can you make arrangements?”
“It will be done before the next meeting,” he nodded.
“Grand.”
I handed the gavel back to Dante, shooting Rooster a nasty glance as I did so.
“As I’m sure you’ve heard, Nico has been spotted in the city numerous times now.
I already know all of our leads have led nowhere.
So I’m just here to tell you all to remain cautious.
Continue as normal, don’t give him any reason to suspect anything, but remain extra vigilant.
You are to be armed at all times—no exceptions.
I don’t care if you’re visiting granny and she is scared of guns.
Tell Granny to look away or maybe don’t visit for now.
It’s as simple as that. You are to travel in twos.
I don’t want anyone alone outside of this compound.
Any breakage of these rules will be dealt with swiftly and violently. This is non-negotiable.”
The table nodded silently, all of us contemplating what this meant.
“I don’t throw my weight around lightly, brothers.
You know this. But if it means we don’t lose another member, then that’s what I’ll do.
We don’t know what Nico knows or doesn’t know.
I suggest you all check in with your loved ones daily.
Mend the bridges, let go of grudges. Pick up any family drama after this has been dealt with. Understood?”
We muttered our agreement.
“Last order of business—under no circumstances are you to share any of this with your old ladies. Including mine. I am well aware that we have grown slack with this rule over the years—and I don’t think either of us mind.
It’s nice having them work with us and not just be background noise.
I like them having a voice. But this is to be kept secret.
I don’t want them spooked, and I do not want them doubting our ability to keep them safe.
I also don’t want any rumours or gossip flying about.
We speak in facts in Church, and nothing else.
I don’t want any muddying of the waters, so to speak. Understood?”
“So what do we tell them?” Chicken asked.
“You can tell them this meeting was about Nico. That’s all they need to know.
Unfortunately, it may mean putting your foot down and dismissing them.
Let them be angry. When all is said and done, and Nico has been dealt with, then you may explain.
Until then, we can all sleep in the doghouse and make do with it. ”
“And what do we do from here?” Trent asked.
“Honestly, brother?” Dante sighed. “I’m damned if I know.
Hacksaw is working every hour of the day trying to trace him.
We have Walzer and Bambi pumping their contacts for info.
We have moles in the Rider’s territory. We’re doing what we can.
For now, it looks like we need to wait for Nico to show his face and make himself known.
Then we can make a plan. Until then, life continues as normal. ”
Dante banged the gavel, signalling the end of the motion.
“Would anyone else like the floor?”
“I would,” I said.
Everyone looked at me.
“Pivot, would you be interested in doing a quick rap to cheer us all up? Hey!” I snapped as everyone groaned and threw things at me. “Well, excuse me for trying to liven this place up.”
“Meeting adjourned,” Dante said, slamming the gavel down again. “I’ve had enough Vienna for one day.”