Chapter Twenty-Five #2
She sounded like a bore with no opinion outside of Cash’s. He definitely ruled the roost.
“I didn’t come here to talk about my problems or my dickhead husband.
” Stretch shoved his fingers through hair just beginning to gray.
On his next birthday, he’d turn forty-three.
“I’m supposed to report everything to Outlaw.
My loyalty’s to him, not you . Don’t ever put me in this fucking position again. Am I clear?”
Diesel nodded.
“I took care of the volume during the argument before I showed it to Outlaw.”
“Why—”
“Just say thank you, fuckhead.”
“Thank you,” Diesel blurted, still wanting to know why.
“Meggie’s going through enough. She doesn’t need to be saddled with your issues.
She’d worry about you and Rebel. She’d worry about your drug addiction.
Shit was just starting to right itself and you threw CJ to the fucking wolves.
You want to fry your fucking brain with drugs, that’s your business.
Don’t send your kid brother on that same fucking path. ”
“I already said I was sorry! What the fuck do you want from me? Blood?”
“Nope. That’s Meggie’s call. Once Outlaw spills it on her behalf, you won’t have fucking reserves for anyone else to make you bleed,” Stretch said darkly.
“You’re a funny motherfucker.”
“Do you fucking see me laughing? Cash, Ophelia, and I had just had a decent fucking night and were in bed, basking in the afterglow. I almost fucking ignored my ringing phone. I didn’t feel like dealing with stupid motherfuckers who don’t want their old ladies’ pussies revealed in video footage.
Or who don’t want to be seen as a weak bitch because they can’t hold their fucking liquor.
Or any of the bullshit they disturb me for. ”
Diesel never considered the annoyances Stretch put up with.
“I got permission from Outlaw before I started deleting that shit. Potter was supposed to call me if he’s there and Outlaw or any of his family comes in.
No matter what the fuck I’m doing, I drop everything.
The motherfucker might’ve repeatedly warned you to behave, but he didn’t call.
If he would’ve called me…” His eyes watered and he drew in a breath.
“Do you know what hearing Ophelia’s sobs did to me?
Potter called me and said, CJ OD’d. I think he’s gone.
The motherfucker hung up with those words ringing in my fucking ears.
” He fell back against his chair. “I was so fucking shocked, I don’t remember what I did, except blurt to Cash and my Fee that CJ was dead. ”
Stretch glowered at Diesel, allowed those words to sink in. CJ wasn’t dead and was expected to recover but the horror that statement conjured was a feeling he never wanted to experience again. It left him dizzy with grief and made him feel as if his heart shattered.
“Do you know what it did to me walking into that fucking club and seeing CJ’s body ? Hearing Mortician cry?” He leaned forward again, his eyes bright with tears and fury. “Do you, motherfucker?”
Swallowing, Diesel held back his own tears by sheer will.
“To rewatch that fucking video…to see him look to you for guidance…”
“I’m the wrong motherfucker to guide anyone,” Diesel snapped, searching for a lifeline. “CJ should’ve known better.”
“When he wakes up, tell him that. Beforehand, look in the fucking mirror so you can see the piece of shit staring back. Diesel Caldwell, CJ’s brother , would remember he’s seven months away from seventeen, trying to find his footing.
Still just a kid who trusted you, believed in you , even after he called you out for the fucking addict we both know you are. ”
“I’ve gotten the fucking point!” Diesel growled. “Are you trying to make me feel like shit?”
“As a matter of fact, motherfucker, I am. I still don’t think the level of your betrayal has sank in. I don’t think you fucking appreciate how much some of the brothers resent CJ, your friends included. They believe he’s short-tracked to lead the club. They think they don’t have a chance.”
“According to you, I’m Outlaw’s son, too. I never got pushback or jealousy…” Anger surged into Diesel. “Then, again, I don’t have a fucking chance of a snowball in the desert to ascend to the top.”
“You’re a pussy crazed drug addict. You don’t have it in you to lead.”
“Thanks a lot, fuckhead—”
“Shut the fuck up, Diesel. I’m so fucking sick of your pity party. I doubt Outlaw knows you’re a cokehead. But his instincts are bar none. He knows something isn’t right with you.”
“That’s just a fucking excuse—”
“Your father, adopted father, uncle… however you see him…doesn’t have his heart in the club anymore.
Between Cash and Johnnie insisting we need peace and the brothers aligned with them, Outlaw is tired.
Why the fuck should he alone risk his fucking life, risk being taken away from his wife and children for motherfuckers who insist on staying away from the danger?
Since you patched in, he’s brought in younger members and younger club girls.
He took you under his wing, you stupid motherfucker.
He expected you to use your fucking brain and realize he was giving yo u a fucking choice: career, criminal, or a combination.
Asshole, he expected you to get your own crew, so when you became chapter president, he’d retain his position as the organization president, and you could install your own loyal lieutenants. ”
Momentary shock blocked Diesel from accepting Stretch’s words.
Then, memories invaded. Uncle Christopher over the years introducing him to club life.
Teaching him to ride, shoot and throw knives.
Allowing him to help with the books. Sitting in on board meetings.
Church. Parties. Selecting new girls. Inserting him into all areas of club life.
Supporting Diesel’s decision to go to college.
Attending his football games. Obtaining his GED.
Sponsoring Diesel. Taking his advice on club matters, legal matters, and family matters.
Trusting him as a son, a brother, a lawyer, and a club member.
“It would’ve only been until CJ was old enough to take over,” Diesel heard himself say. Any excuse to rationalize his own stupidity.
“Perhaps. And, perhaps not, Diesel. You don’t know how things would’ve turned out because you never saw further than the shittiness of your fucking biological parents.”
“I’m so fucking sorry.”
“Yeah, motherfucker, you should be, and you are.”
Diesel’s shoulders sagged.
Stretch pounded his fist on the table. “Stop with the goddamn pity party,” he roared, drawing everyone’s attention.
“I’ll try to do better,” Diesel promised, but it was empty because he was empty.
Stretch’s mouth straightened into a grim line. “Do you happen to know Narci’s and Potter’s location?”
“I’ve called them several times, but nothing.”
“What about Dementor, Exorcist, and Bedhead?”
“Same thing. They aren’t responding to my texts or my calls. ”
“I think all those assholes are in hiding. They left their cell phones and their bikes. Surveillance shows them leaving in cars at different times. Meggie’s livid.”
“She has every right to be, Stretch.”
“She does. If our schemes with Torie started Meggie down this path, fucking over her son to hurt her has completed her journey.” He sighed. “Outlaw has me tracing the license plates of everyone who assisted those fuckheads’ escape. If they don’t give them up, they’re dying, too.”
Diesel choked.
Shoving his chair back, Stretch stood. “Meggie told Outlaw he can kill whoever he wishes. Prepare for the coming bloodbath.”