Mason slammed down the gavel on the wood table with a Black Widow spider engraved on it. All the members surrounded the table except for one empty seat that used to sit Isaac. The finances had become an utter disaster since his death. We needed a new Treasurer and it would be up to me to find one.
“I'd like to just get it out there,” Mason began, “I'm stepping down as President of the Black Widow MC and nominating Caleb to take my place.”
Everyone's jaws dropped except for mine and Tanner's. I gave him a slight nod and turned my attention back to Mason.
Mason rubbed his wrinkly eyes. “I've been the head of this club for way too many years. I think it's time I finally let some new blood control the future. I'll still be around as an active member. But it will be nice to not have to deal with all the stress. Everyone in favor of Caleb as President say aye.”
The table erupted with “Aye's” and fists slammed down on the wood. In one fell swoop, Mason ripped off my Vice-President patch and began stitching my President patch on. “Looks good on you,” Mason said, grinning. He stepped out of the way and gave me the head chair.
The applause roared through the small meeting room. There had only been two presidents of Black Widow before me and now I made the third. A new era. I waved my hands down for everyone to be quiet. After a moment of silence, I cleared my throat. “Thank you all. You don't know how much this patch means to me. First order of business is to nominate a Vice-President.” The club looked at each other, eying who could it be. “I nominate Tanner to become Vice-President of Black Widow.” I didn't even get to call for a vote as everyone hammered their hands on the table.
Tanner looked stunned as he sat down in my old chair. I'm glad I was able to surprise him. Tanner thanked the room as Mason stitched my old patch on his chest. I'd need Tanner during the dark times to come.
“As you all know,” I began, “The Death Merchants are about to wage war. Slade talked to the Blacks and they confirmed it. All of you need to step up and do your duty.” I looked into the eyes of every member. “We won't lose.”
There was a knock at the door and a prospect peeked his head in. “I have a police officer outside.”
“What does he want?” I asked.
“The Sheriff wants to see the President tomorrow morning at ten.”
I looked over at Mason and he nodded to me. Everything fell to me now. “Tell the officer, I'll be there.” The prospect looked confused for a moment as he left. He would find out soon enough. I picked up the gavel that Mason had used so often over the years. The wood was cracked and old. Splinters were spiked out and threatened to pierce me. This job was going to be painful. I brought down the gavel with all my might. “Meeting adjourned.”
Chapter Four
Emily
The sun was barely rising as I walked out of the Main Street coffee shop. The owner had moved on and the new management hadn't picked a name yet. I took a sip and the mediocre coffee warmed my throat. I'd die for a Starbucks right about now. The police station was empty as it should be at six in the morning. I turned on the lights to my small office and sat down. I took another long pull of coffee and threw away the rest. I was going to have to learn how to make my own coffee.
Today was going to my first real day as Sheriff of Sacks County and I wasn't going to waste it. I opened the folder for the Death Merchants and grabbed Garcia's thick file. His rap sheet was longer than entire gangs I put away in Los Angeles. Kidnapping, rape, murder. This man had done it all and somehow got away with it. I looked over the trial notes and a common theme ran through each one—the star witness for the prosecution was nowhere to be found.
Officers came through and said good morning. Johnson was absent and I was kind of glad. He could stay away forever for all I cared. I didn't need such womanizing men in my station.
Officer Moore walked in and almost tripped over the threshold. I bit my bottom lip to keep from giggling. He was trying so hard to impress me. “Sheriff White, I have a Mr. Garcia here for his appointment.”
“Thank you, Officer Moore, you're dismissed.” I closed my eyes and chanted to myself. You got this, White. Don't let him run all over you.
A Mexican biker strolled in wearing all leather. A small mustache hugged his upper lip and a black eye-patch was over his left eye. Tattoos of all kinds covered his arms including a gun pointed at the Virgin Mary. He was only a tiny bit intimidating. “Where's Sheriff Mendoza?” he asked, standing in the doorway.
“You didn't see the press release then.” I stood up and put out my hand. “Name's White, I'm the new Sheriff in town.” My inner schoolgirl was giggling off to the corner. I'd been waiting my entire life to say that.