They started to go outside, but King’s hand on Shade’s arm stopped them.
“You used the excuse last time that you went hunting, so what reason did you give Lily for leaving town this time? I told her and Evie that I had to sign some papers, selling the bar.”
“I told her we were going to a funeral.”
Chapter 79
“Everyone here?” Viper asked, coming into the kitchen.
“Yes,” Shade answered, leaning against the kitchen counter.
Having missed dinner, Viper was finally coming downstairs to the meeting he had called. The room was filled with only the brothers since the women had left after dinner.
Viper walked to the front of the room. “A few weeks ago, Stud asked for a meet with Cash. Once I gave the go-ahead, they met, and he asked Cash to find out what he could about a new biker club which had recently moved into his territory. Stud wanted to be cautious before he made a move to drive them out. He was smart.#p#分页标题#e#
“Cash found out they call themselves Freedom Riders. Their leader is called Scorpion, and Vaughn is his vice. They are anti-government, and their numbers are large—bigger than what Stud is going to be able to handle even combining The Blue Horsemen and Destructors.”
Viper paused briefly before continuing, “They want to buy a large piece of property to train their men, land which is isolated and easily defended. Once the purchase goes through, they’ll bring in even more men, assuming Stud won’t be able to stop them.”
“Who owns the property?” Shade asked.
“Curt Dawkins, the football coach here in town,” Cash answered.
“Cash told me they' are fanatical and deadly,” Viper continued. “So, the question is, do we back Stud up with our numbers or leave this mess in his lap? I’ve thought about this all last night and today. Truthfully, I made my decision only a few minutes ago before I came in here.”
“Which is?” Shade asked, already knowing the choice Viper had made. Not only would the brother never turn his back on someone who had asked for help, but Stud had also helped them a couple of times; therefore, Viper wouldn’t leave the debt unpaid.
“We’ll stand with Stud. I studied the map of where the property is they want to buy, and it’s not far from Treepoint, so there isn’t going to be a way to avoid fighting them anyway. I think they just want to get Stud out of the way before they turn their attention to us.”
“I agree,” Shade said.
The other brothers stated their agreement, as well.
“Shade, I want you to handle Dawkins. I don’t want him selling that property to them, even if you have to buy it. I don’t care how you do it.”
Shade nodded.
“There’s also something else we need to discuss.” Shade saw the flash of anguish which crossed Viper’s face before it was hidden. “I have refused to name a VP out of respect to Gavin. It was his idea to begin our club and I didn’t want to name another, but Gavin wouldn’t have wanted it that way. Shade, you’re too valuable to me as an enforcer to give you that title, though you deserve it.”
“Fuck, I wouldn’t have wanted it anyway. I have enough on my hands as it is, saving your asses,” Shade joked, easing the tension in the room.
“Razer, you’re our best rider, so I need you at our back,” Viper stated. “Plus, you have kids. I need my vice to put the club first.”
The members waited for Razer’s reaction.
“Don’t blame you, brother. If I needed decisions made, I would want the man making them not to be worried his wife will marry a jackass after he’s dead and gone.” Razer shrugged.
Viper smiled. “Rider and Train, you’re my soldiers, always will be. I need men I know can carry out my orders and see the other brothers do, too, without question.”
Both men nodded.
“Knox, you’re too valuable as the sheriff.”
“Diamond would kick my ass, anyway,” Knox stated.
Viper paused, clearing his throat. “Lucky, the job’s yours if you want it. You’ve put your time in longer than any brother here, and I think Gavin would be proud if you took his spot by my side.”
Lucky stiffened next to Shade while the room waited expectantly for his answer.
He stood up straight, walking forward to stand by Viper’s side. Then he held out his hand to shake Viper’s. “I’d be honored, brother.”
Viper smiled, jerking Lucky to him and hugging him before slapping him on the arms. “Rider, get the women back in here. Nickel, pass out the beer. We’re going to celebrate.”#p#分页标题#e#