Chapter One.
It had been a year since we relocated, and a lot had changed after we took over the Peninsula.
The townspeople had been wary, but thanks to the inner circle, we’d overcome all odds so far.
The clubhouse was one of them. We had moved the location when the trouble started.
It now sat two hundred yards to the right of the small crossing that separated the Peninsula from the rest of Ortonville.
Visitors encountered that before our private homes.
Where the bridge stood was a solid gate and walls, stopping anyone from entering without permission.
A visitor parking lot was opposite the clubhouse.
Where we’d planned to build the clubhouse was now the children’s day centre.
Having our families safely away from the gates gave us an extra layer of protection.
Behind the clubhouse was a huge, fenced-in yard with a swimming pool with a retractable roof. We’d built as we wanted and made sure we had the comforts needed.
Texas punched Ghost as I passed them heading to church, and I shook my head as they both assumed innocent expressions.
I was way younger than both of them, but they respected my patch.
Out of the corner of my eye, I caught Ghost sucker-punching Texas and rolled my eyes.
They were both much lighter away from Rapid City.
It helped that their families were settled and thriving.
The darkness that had hung over Ghost from his time undercover remained, but no longer slapped you in the face.
Ghost actually fuckin’ smiled these days and not just at Carmelle and his kids.
Texas was settling too. He’d been on edge at first, which had been surprising considering he’d taken the same role that he had before.
Then I realised it was Rosie and Calamity giving him grief.
A few years ago, Texas had gone against Calamity for falling in love with Rosie and had Calamity kicked out of the club.
That action had started a multitude of repercussions, which ended with Calamity being taken, severely beaten, and nearly killed.
Rosie had disowned Texas, but Calamity had been the one to bring peace to their family.
Although amends had been made, Texas remained on edge, believing he still had to atone for his sins.
Texas backed Calamity’s every decision and deferred to him constantly.
Finally, last week Calamity had snapped and dragged him into his office.
Two hours later, they’d emerged, and Texas was much more relaxed, even resorting to insulting Calamity a few times.
“Everyone present today?” our SAA, Steel, asked.
“Yeah. We’re all around this weekend for once,” I replied.
“Makes a fuckin’ change,” Steel quipped.
I grinned. It was weird thinking of him as Steel. Christian had finally earned his road name, and it suited him. Christian had a backbone of steel.
I snorted at his comment. He wasn’t wrong. Our inner circle’s jobs prevented some of us from attending—which went against the club’s charter. But with competitions and things, Calamity allowed us some leeway.
He’d installed a large monitor on the wall, and we would dial in from wherever we were.
Ice remained on the road, playing ice hockey.
Harley (we decided his name was kickass and didn’t need changing) continued his baseball career.
I was also away a lot, for training or competitions, and so was Steel.
Calamity was happy enough with us being gone as long as we picked up our duties when home.
He understood that when we retired from our various careers, we’d be staying permanently, and that was all that mattered.
We were a young MC in terms of age. Calamity was only twenty-seven and president.
He’d earned that. Most of the inner circle was in their twenties or thirties. The exceptions were Texas and Ghost.
“Hey fuckers,” Priest growled out, entering the church. He was our tailgunner. Behind him came Glitch, our hacker.
“Asshole,” I greeted as the rest of the brothers filed in.
We were still growing, but after a year here, we’d filled the inner circle and had members who didn’t hold rank.
Speaking of new brothers, Fragment walked in with De Janeiro and Wolf.
They’d all received their patch three weeks ago.
Hunter, and then Klutz, entered on Calamity’s heels. Everyone finally took their seats.
Calamity banged his gavel, and silence fell.
“Thanks. We’ve got things to get through. We’ll start with the monthly finance reports. Texas?” Calamity asked.
I listened, already aware of the figures. Texas had run Calamity and me through them this morning. I gazed across the table at John and James, two cousins who still held prospects. Confused by the invitation to join, they sat quietly at the rear.
Once Texas finished, Calamity eyed John and James. Both looked calmly back.
“Stand up,” he ordered.
They did so.
“We voted last week,” Calamity paused and nodded to Texas, Ice, Steel, and Savage. “Strip them.” Ice and Steel took John and ripped his cut from him. He gritted his jaw but held his tongue. Texas and Savage tore James’s from him and flung it on the table.
“Nothing to say?” Calamity demanded.
“Thanks for giving us a chance,” James ground out. I heard the upset in his voice and inwardly smiled.
Calamity jerked his head, and they headed towards the door.
“Where ya going?” I snapped, and they froze. They faced me, frowning. I reached down, picked up a package, and tossed it to John. Calamity did the same with James.
“Thanks for prospecting,” I said. They began walking out again, and I tutted. “Didn’t take you two for rude. Open your fuckin’ gifts.”
James glowered and swallowed hard, but John did. A slow grin spread across his face as he saw what was inside. Moments later James tore into his and held his cut up.
“Sit down, brothers, and congratulations,” Calamity said. Both men beamed and accepted backslaps. Nightmare, formerly James and Anchor, previously John, retook their seats.
“We’re reallocating the businesses,” Calamity stated without further ado. He got immediate sideways looks and grinned.
“This is who’s running what now.” I slid around some sheets for everyone to study.
Falcon–swimming pool. (Dojo to open on retirement)
Steel–Phoenix Trust/ merchandise
Ice–Bowling alley/cinema
Savage–Garage/ water sports programme/boat tours.
Harley–Ice rink.
Texas–Scrapyard and recycling centre.
Gauntlet–Garage
Klutz–Veterinary
Ghost–Tattoo shop
Hunter–Garage / designing bikes and graphics.
Glitch–web designs/programmer
Priest–RV Park and Tent Campsite/ Fishing/Hunting/web
“What are you thinking?” Glitch asked.
“Five new brothers. Need to lighten the load for everyone,” Calamity replied. “This is what Falcon and I came up with, considering everybody’s strengths.” He handed a new sheet around.
Falcon–swimming pool. (Dojo to open on retirement)
Steel–Phoenix Trust/ merchandise
Ice–Bowling alley/cinema
Savage–Garage
Harley–ice rink.
Texas–Scrapyard
Gauntlet–Garage
Klutz–Veterinary
Ghost–Tattoo shop
Hunter–designing bikes and graphics.
Glitch–Web designs/programming.
Priest–Kids campsite
Anchor–water sports programme.
Nightmare–Fishing/Hunting
Fragment–boat tours
De Janeiro–Recycling Centre
Wolf–RV Park and Tent Campsite
“Okay with me,” Fragment said.
Damn, Fragment spoke without prompting.
“Anyone have any issues?” I inquired mildly.
“How do I manage the hunting and fishing business?” Nightmare asked.
“Issue permits and ensure they’ve not got bans, etc., hire boats and tackle out,” Calamity explained.
“Nightmare, I’ll take that. Easier for me to run a search than Nightmare,” Glitch stated.
“Then I’ll take merchandise,” Nightmare suggested.
“Actually, Nightmare, I’d rather hold on to that. The Trusts have nothing to do with the club, so the merch helps me keep a finger in,” Steel replied.
Nightmare frowned at the sheet.
“Don’t stress,” Calamity ordered. “Need to get the hotel up and running. No,” Calamity said as Nightmare opened his mouth, “that’s going to take a lot of time.
You’ve got the comic to write and illustrate.
We’ve also heard that a local brewery is up for sale.
Seems solid, but the owner died, and the nephew wants a quick turnaround.
It’s won awards and could be a nice niche for us. ”
“How about I run the hunting and fishing, and Glitch can just do the licence part?” Nightmare argued. Calamity nodded. If Nightmare wanted to be helpful, fine.
“I’ll check those possibilities,” Texas stated.
“Falcon and I have a walk-around scheduled. Texas, we’ll need you to examine the books.”
“You’re uncertain they’re legit?” Texas asked.
“I trust nothing until one of us has checked it out. Turn them inside out and uncover their skeletons,” Calamity replied.
“Let me do some digging,” Glitch murmured, making notes, and I nodded. If there were something to be discovered, Glitch and Texas would find it.
“We need a volunteer to spearhead the hotel and resort. And another for the brewery,” Calamity stated.
“Prez, I’ll take them on temporarily,” Priest replied.
“Next thing on the agenda. Gotta look at the upcoming lot of prospects and vote on them being brothers. Liam, Mark, Wayne, and Chris have eight months remaining with us before we consider them. Any objections so far?” Calamity asked.
Head shakes met his question.
“Out of the nine established prospects, Rafe, Shelby, Leo, and Luca are due up in August. Elijah, Felix, and Matteo the month after, and then Diego and Rodrigo after them. Lot of damn prospects, guys,” I said and received several chuckles.
“Nope, but when we patch them in, they can take on what I just volunteered for,” Priest interjected.
“Any issues with Rafe, Shelby, Leo, and Luca?” Calamity asked. “We’ll vote in church next month. Any concerns, bring them to me. Next item of business, we’ve had trouble again.” Nods met Calamity’s words. We still suffered graffiti and other harassing shit.