I won’t let any of my men fall at the hands of Iron Kings.
“We need to increase security at all the businesses, make sure everyone is strapped up, and on extra alert. We can’t afford to have these assholes catch us off-guard. Any of us.”
“I’m on it,” Coop says, his gaze serious and full of intent.
I nod my appreciation. “Next, we need to hit them back for Grace. For having the fucking audacity to dump a body on Reckless Souls’ turf. We need to hit those fuckers and hit them hard.”
“I have an idea.” Nova’s voice breaks through the agreements that go up loudly around the table as the room falls silent.
Shades looks up at the skull metalwork on the ceiling and laughs. “Just checking to see if pigs are flying since Nova is willing to contribute to the violence.”
Nova’s eyes always look so heavy and full of grief and regret these days.
“Spent a few hours helping out at the free clinic this week. We dealt with damn near two dozen overdoses and not just junkies either. College students and soccer moms who take a bump here and there to take the edge off. That shit’s tainted with something, and it’s not fentanyl. It has to be some type of chemical agent.”
I nod. “What are you thinking, Nova?”
“I know the place where they’re getting this shit. I asked every one of the patients I treated, and they all told me the same thing. A house in a new development, over in Harbor Estates.”
Preacher nods. “Then that’s the target.”
“I agree,” I tell the men and watch around the table as their expressions change because shit is real once again. “Let’s get some eyes on that house before we hit.”
“Let’s see first if I can tap into the surveillance in the neighborhood, Wild Man offers with a grin. “It’s a new development, so it’s gotta have kinds of Ring cameras, motion sensor cameras, and all that good shit over there.” He looks almost giddy at the thought of doing his techie thing.
“All right, that’s top priority, Wild Man. The sooner we know what we’re dealing with, the sooner we can strike.”
“I’ll find a way in and have updates in the morning. Or sooner,” he promises, leg twitching with the desire to hurry up and get to his work.
“Perfect. We have one more thing to discuss. Joaquin.” I scan the table and find Joaquin slumped against the wall with the other probies. He straightens up at the mention of his name. His gaze finds mine, curious.
“It’s time to patch him in. The kid has shown loyalty, the ability to follow orders, and he’s damn good with his hands.”
Shades snickers beside me. “Guess you’ve impressed the big boss,” he jokes. “I agree. Joaquin is ready to become official.”
“Shit,” Joaquin barely chokes that one word out around a shit-eating grin. “Seriously?”
“Yeah, seriously. We don’t joke about who gets to become a brother.”
I turn to Shades, wishing like hell Dix was here because our VP knew how to do patching ceremonies right. He’d have a whole fucking speech and a party already going when it was done. All I have is a patch that Shades retrieves and some damn fine Irish whiskey to offer.
“Get over here.”
Suddenly shy, Joaquin walks across the room with purpose, an unstoppable grin lighting up his face.
“Yo, I can’t believe this is happening.”
“Believe it,” Preacher assures him. “You’ve proven yourself time and time again, and now you’re one of the Reckless Souls. Officially.”
“Thanks, guys.” He stands there in his brand new kutte bearing the Reckless Souls brand, grinning while Shades sews the patch over his right chest.
We all stand, and Joaquin recites the MC oath after me. To protect the MC above all else, members and club interests alike.
“Now, you get a seat at the table.”
“That’s dope.” He grins and nods, strutting around the room to show off his new kutte and the Reckless Souls patches on the back.
“I look damn good, don’t I?” He accepts words of congratulations from the other probationary members who eye his new look with longing.
“Soon, we’ll all be rollin’ like this.”
“All right, club business is complete. Now, we fucking toast to Joaquin. Our newest patched member of the Reckless Souls!”
“The magic words,” Joaquin smiles and accepts the bottle that goes around the room to toast our newest member.
“To the goddamn Reckless Souls! Let’s kick ass, fuck shit up, and do it all in the name of brotherhood.”
“Fuck,” Shades shouts. “I’ll drink to that.”
We all spill out of the room and down the narrow hall that leads to the clubhouse, where if Dix was here, he’d have club whores, music, and food. A real fucking party.
The drinks flow, and the guys laugh and joke around, but it’s not a party like one Dix would have put on for a newly patched member. Still, everyone’s having a good time, and that’s all that matters. Tomorrow, things will be different.