Chapter 1 Crow #2
He nodded, gesturing to the back where we used to hold exclusive parties when we weren’t entertaining at The Roost. Pops wouldn’t let me near the place until I was twelve.
Told me it wasn’t proper, which still amused the fuck out of me because he didn’t hide shit about his life, the club, women, fucking, riding, or anything else that would have shocked a young boy.
And that was just the shit I saw around the house.
“Come on, son. We got plenty to discuss.”
“TELL ME WHAT YOU KNOW, Lou.”
“Not as much as I’d like, and that’s a fucking problem, son.
” He scrubbed a wrinkled hand over his whiskered face and sighed.
“Started as vandalism. Minor shit like a broken window or flat tires on the trucks. Rook figured it was just some kids messin’ round or local thugs tryin’ to move in on our territory. ”
Nodding, I reached for the beer he slid my way, watching as the old guy settled into the seat across from me. “What changed his mind?”
“A note. Don’t know what the fuck it said, but it must have been bad because he stormed out of The Roost, shouting at everyone to stay behind.
No one liked it, least of all Raven and Hawk.
Raven followed him anyway, and then Hawk and Talon wouldn’t sit still either.
Hawk kept sayin’ somethin’ didn’t feel right.
Talon was antsy as fuck. Couldn’t get him to calm down no matter what I said. ”
“When did the vandalism start?” I asked, barely keeping the grit out of my voice.
“Two months ago.”
“And the note? Anybody find it?”
“No. Raven searched everywhere too. Said it had to be important to make Rook take off like that. Raven said he drew the line at going through Rook’s room and belongings. Made everyone wait for you.”
I slumped back in my seat, staring down the neck of the open bottle and losing all interest in a drink. “Fuck,” I finally whispered.
“That’s only the half of it.” He tipped back his beer and took a long swallow, wiping his mouth with the back of his hand.
“Raven found your pops on the ground outside Bakers’ Law Offices.
No one knows why he was there. Doesn’t make sense that Rook needed a lawyer.
The club has one on retainer. You know that. ”
I nodded again, confirming his words.
“Rook was gunned down. Ambushed. He didn’t look like he had a chance to put up much of a fight.
” Lou’s voice cracked, and he stood, throwing the bottle across the room as it slammed into the wall and shattered, glass and beer painting the walls and wooden floors with amber glass and fluid.
“Filled my brother full of holes and left you an orphan. I’ll fucking kill those bastards myself when I find them.
” His chest heaved, and Lou stumbled, his face flushing as I rushed to his side and helped the old crow back to his seat.
He patted my cheek as I bent down, concerned for his health. “The club will take them down, Lou. I’m counting on your help and guidance. It’s gonna be hard without pops here, but I won’t rest until I’ve gotten vengeance.”
“That’s my boy.” He flashed a sad smile. “Always thought of you like the son I never had. Don’t like the idea of you thinkin’ you’re an orphan. Know you well enough to see how it’s hurtin’ ya. You’re my kin. You ain’t ever alone. That’s all there is to say.”
Choked up by his admission, I managed to nod my agreement.
“So when I say I want to kick your ass for not being here for Rook’s funeral, you know where I’m comin’ from. You got to answer for it, Crow. Ain’t gonna be able to avoid that beat down.”
Snorting, I stood, giving his shoulder a light squeeze. “The man who can take me down deserves to be pres.”
“That’s why none of ’em will be able to do it, but they’re sure as hell gonna try.”
“Is that a warning?” Amused, I crossed my arms over my chest, trying not to smirk.
“If I were ten years younger, I’d have come after you, but Raven said to stay put. Warned the club that he’d deal with it once you were home. Just givin’ ya a heads up. Bustin’ skulls is what I like to watch the most.”
“Besides a sweet piece of ass on a pole,” I countered.
He chuckled, shrugging. “Got to have somethin’ to look forward to in my old age. I love pussy. Sue me.”
My chest shook with laughter as I spun on my heel and headed toward the door. “Best get on my way then. You comin’?”
“Nah. These old bones need a little rest first.”
Didn’t think he was moving out of that chair as his eyes fluttered, and he let out a snore, startling himself for a moment before they closed completely. Damn, if that old guy didn’t share a piece of my black heart with my pops.
The door to the private room opened, and I saw Jackie, his caretaker/housemaid. She shook her head at Lou and smiled my way.
“He’s out?”
“Yep. He seems pretty worn out.”
“Been happenin’ a lot lately. He’s forgetting things too but don’t tell him I said that.”
“I won’t,” I promised. “Lou doin’ okay? Anything to be concerned about?”
“Nothing serious. I’m bettin’ that old coot will outlive all of us.”
Smirking, I had to agree. “You still have my number?” I rattled it off, and she nodded.
“Yep. I’ll call you if there’s ever a need.”
“Thanks, Jackie. Keep him comfortable. If you need anything, let the club know.”
“Will do, Crow.”
On my way through the building, I noticed the empty tables and one lone patron seated at the bar.
The same guy with the scorpion tattoo and the black leather.
He never looked my way, continuing to sip whiskey as he watched the morning news on the anchored flat screen above his head.
A blonde with perky fake tits, too much makeup, and tight jeans cleaned glasses as she hummed under her breath.
Damn. Must have been a shift change. There was no sign of Bella.
I pushed through the doors and headed toward my bike, squinting as dawn plastered a cheery splash of bold color across the horizon—too goddamn bright.
I pulled my shades from a pocket inside my cut and slipped them on.
As my ass landed on the seat, I thought of my pops and felt a twinge of guilt for not being here for the funeral.
The club might be pissed, but that wasn’t important. We had a murderer to find, and as soon as I got to The Roost, I was callin’ for church. The time for bullshit and secrets was over.
I needed to take my place and prove I could lead this club and avenge Rook. Let our enemies come. They were about to face my wrath and all the fury of the Devil’s Murder.