23. Collin
23
Collin
W atching my brother and his biker buddies inspect the truck is humorous. It was way too easy to take it. Their business partner just trusted I was one of them. Guess it helps to be related to the club president.
Charles is so predictable. He’s kept the same routine for years. All this time, I’ve been watching. He may have put business on hold for a while, but I knew he would resume. Knew I could wait him out. Davina’s brother drives the truck back to the clubhouse and they start to unload the boxes.
“For now, we hold onto the product,” Charles orders. “Not taking any chances selling this shit until we know Collin didn’t tamper with it.”
I chuckle at this. Maybe I did. Maybe I didn’t. One thing I know is that my brother won’t take any chances. He’s not a risk taker. I listen to them talk about how I’ve fucked them over. I’m flattered to be such a worthy adversary. When the truck is emptied, Charles stands there looking around. I smile when he finds my camera. I wasn’t exactly trying to hide it.
“There you are,” he says, walking right up to it. “I knew you’d be watching.”
“I’ve been watching for a very long time, brother.”
“Smart. Taking the truck was smart. I’ll give you that. But what do you have to show for it? Your scare tactics won’t work anymore. We have the truck back. We have the guns. You have nothing but your hiding place. I have the Bastards. I have Davina. I have Charlie. You have nothing and no one.”
“Not for long.”
I thought I could let it go. Move on and forgive my own flesh and blood for what he did. I even tried to come back home only to find my dad was dead, my mom left town, and the woman who belongs to me had a kid with my brother. Forgiveness is no longer in my vocabulary.
“I should’ve made sure you were dead. Should’ve stayed until you took your last breath. Should’ve listened to your final heartbeat. I won’t make that mistake again.”
With those parting words, he smashes his fist into the camera.