“This doesn’t make any sense. Why would he come after you? Theirdeaths weren’t on the Blackwings, but if he’s trying to blame us, he should be coming at me and mine,” Phoenix said.
“True, but what about Scream and Belch? Maybe they think we had something to do with their murders,” I mused.
“Nah, I think their misplaced blame falls on me for Scream and Belch as well. Yes, we killed Gnaw, who was a Disciple, but Scream didn’t give a shit about it. Then, Scream agreed to kill Kevin to keep the peace. I’m sure his VP backed him on those decisions. I’m guessing the club didn’t back their Prez and VP, though.”
“So, why the fuck are they coming after me?” I asked.
“My best guess, because you’re closer,” he said.
“Are you serious?”
“Yes. If he wants to take out Blackwings, as in all Blackwings, it would make sense for him to start with your club. It’s closer, newer, and smaller. Even though he would be very, very wrong, he probably thinks the club is too new to be of any strength.”
“Son of a bitch.”
“Like I said, it’s just a guess. Now that you know the Disciples are responsible, what are you going to do?” he asked.
“Not sure of the details, but we’re going to put a stop to it. There’s no way I’m letting them take out my club and come for yours,” I said.
“Talk it out with your boys and let me know what you come up with. I’m going to send some brothers your way to help you get this sorted,” Phoenix said.
“No way. We can handle this.”
“I’m not asking, Copper. Consider it an official order. If we guessed correctly, in a way, this is my club’s fault. I’m sending some men to help. Do whatever you see fit with them. They’ll be up there tomorrow. We’ll talk soon.” He disconnected before I could respond.
“We’ll wait until Phoenix’s guys arrive to come up with a plan. In the meantime, I want eyes on the Disciples’ Clubhouse. Judge, can you and a couple of brothers get some cameras up without being seen?”
Judge grinned, “Absolutely, Prez.”
“Take two brothers with you and get started now. Everyone else, stay close and stay vigilant. These fuckers have been a few steps ahead and have gotten the drop on us a few times now. That won’t happen again,” I said and tapped the gavel on the table to dismiss Church.
22
Phoenix’s boys arrived the next morning. He sent Edge, Coal, Savior, and two prospects, Grady and Isaac. All of them were newer to the club. But from what I knew of the three patched members, they were valuable assets. I wasn’t crazy about putting Coal in harm’s way because he was family; but, I wouldn’t disrespect him or his father by sending him back to Croftridge.
“How’s your Mom doing?” I asked before I realized what I’d said. “I’m mean Annabelle. Shit. Sorry. I don’t really know how you guys handle that situation,” I said, stumbling over my words.
Coal laughed. “I call her ‘Mom,’ and I also call Kathleen ‘Mom.’ It’s different, but it works for us. Mom’s doing fine, getting bigger every day. Dad’s driving her crazy hovering around her like a helicopter. I hope she pops those babies out soon, or Dad isn’t going to survive.”
I chuckled, “I bet. How’s Ember?”
He smiled, “She’s good. She has her own helicopter, but she’s handling the hovering better than Mom.”
I shook my head. “I can’t believe they’re having babies at the same time.”
“Yeah, we definitely qualify to be guests on a talk show. Anyway, when you have some time, I was wondering if I could talk to you about something,” he said, suddenly sounding nervous.
“Of course. I have time now. We can talk in my office,” I said and started walking in that direction.
Once inside, I closed the door and gestured for him to have a seat. Dropping into the chair behind my desk, I steepled my fingers in front of me and met his eyes. “What’s going on, Coal?”
“I was wondering how one would go about transferring chapters.”
Of all the things he could have said or asked, I was not expecting it to be that. “You want to leave your Dad’s club?”
He looked down at his hands fisted in his lap. “I love my Dad, and I love the club. I’m just having a hard time finding my place in Croftridge. Ember has the farm and is starting a family with Dash. Dad has the club and Mom and the babies. And I, well, after everything that’s happened in the last two years, I feel like I need to find out who I am. I don’t want to be just Phoenix’s son or just Ember’s twin. I need to be me, and I can’t do that until I figure out who I am, and that can’t happen in Croftridge.”
I exhaled a long, slow breath. “I have no problem with you transferring to Devil Springs if that’s what you want, but you have to talk to your Dad first. The usual protocol is for the member to approach their president first. Once it has been approved, then you would ask the other president for permission to transfer. But I understand why you came to me before going to him. Make sure it’s okay with Phoenix, and then come talk to me.”