Relentless: The Legacy Rises, page 5
“Shut the fuck up, Rory,” Johnnie commanded, averting his gaze from Christopher’s promise of death and feeling like a supreme dickhead. “You don’t fucking question me. I’m your father and the club’s VP. You’re not a member, so I don’t know why the fuck you’re here. Since you are, club rules apply, and I’ll beat your fucking ass for disrespecting me.”
“So, my dad has every right to kick the fuck out of you for disrespecting him, right, Uncle Johnnie?” CJ said dryly.
Johnnie waited a beat, allowing Christopher a chance to reprimand his son. He didn’t. “I beg your fucking pardon?” he said. “The same rules apply to you, nephew.”
As his indignation rose, his pain receded.
Ryan smirked at CJ.
Christopher looked at the disrespectful little motherfucker and lifted a brow. Immediately, CJ clenched his jaw and looked away.
“CJ’s right, though, Johnnie,” a voice called from the crowd. “Prez ordered lockdown. Whether we like it or not, we have to follow his orders.”
Johnnie wanted to be anywhere else and he’d kill not to be in his current predicament. If the club went on lockdown, it would give Christopher time to discover everything Bash wanted. Though his main target was Megan, Kendall and Mattie were still at risk. All Johnnie needed was a smoking gun to either make Bash back off or to bring to Christopher or both. If Johnnie prevailed, Christopher would be too busy looking after Megan to worry about all the fine details of what Bash wanted. Yes, he’d still be out for Bash’s blood, but his focus would be distracted. “He’s using the club’s resources to take care of a personal problem!”
“I’m usin’ the club’s resources to take care of a fuckin’ problem,” Christopher said flatly. “Megan got in the crosshairs.” His narrowed eyed contemplation chilled Johnnie. “Somehow. It might be because I fucked up Cole, but that shit don’t make fuckin’ sense. Why you payin’ Bash to keep the Scorched Devils safe? Those motherfuckers barely fuckin’ allies of the Dwellers. If any motherfucker payin’ up, it should be Derby and the fuckin’ Hounds. Ain’t fuckin’ pointin’ out how that shit don’t make sense either and I ain’t pointin’ out how you and Brooks involved my wife in club business then don’t expect me to use club fuckin’ resources to fuck up every motherfucker involved.”
Fuck, fuck, fuck.
Johnnie should never have told Brooks to involve Megan. “You’re reaching, Christopher—”
When Christopher walked from behind the podium, paused to snatch Ryan by the throat and drag him over to Johnnie, he thought about running. But Christopher might’ve shot him in the back.
“You know what the fuck I think, Johnnie,” Christopher said menacingly, ignoring Ryan’s struggles. “Bash after Megan for club shit. Just like Cee Cee was, but it’s club shit between the Dwellers and the Scorpions. Know what the fuck else I think? Kendall somehow entangled in this web. That’s why you and Brooks involved. I just ain’t figured out if you and Brooks dragged my woman in to protect Kendall. Or if Megan and Kendall was in danger from the beginnin’.” He head locked Ryan. “Now, Ryan, you disrespectful lil’ motherfucker, if I break your fuckin’ neck, your ma and old man goin’ to be devastated. But Rule got in the Scorps’ sites by savin’ you. You wanna be a fuckin’ man, Ima treat you like a fuckin’ man and stomp the fuck outta you.”
He shoved Ryan away so forcefully that the boy stumbled and fell on his hands on knees.
“Go and get your Aunt Bitsy, CJ,” Christopher said, turning to Ryan and stalking toward him, while CJ followed his father’s orders.
“No!” Ryan screamed, scrambling to his feet. “MOM! POPS, help!” he cried hoarsely, turning to run, but unable to escape Christopher as he snatched him by the hair and yanked him back.
Christopher’s first blow landed in Ryan’s gut.
“I’m sorry, Uncle Christopher! I’m sorry!” Ryan sobbed.
“Our father, who art in Heaven…” Rule started as Christopher grabbed Ryan again and punched his jaw.
Ryan teetered and fell backwards as CJ guided Zoann to where Val sat, watching in colorless horror.
“Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come…” Rule continued a little too gleefully for Johnnie’s comfort.
“What did I do, Uncle Christopher?” Ryan wailed, darting over members to escape Christopher.
“Thy will be done. On earth, as it is in Heaven…”
“Don’t play fuckin’ dumb, boy. If Bash wanted to fuckin’ kill you, you fucked over him somehow!”
“Wait, wait, wait! I can explain…”
“Give us this day. Our daily bread…”
Johnnie was starting to get lightheaded.
“And forgive us our trespasses. As we forgive those who trespass against us...”
Christopher snatched Ryan to him and shoved him toward Zoann and Val.
“And lead us not into temptation…”
“Get him in hand. Hear me, Bitsy? Val?”
Zoann nodded frantically, wrapping her arms around Ryan as Val kept his hands on her hips, clinging to her.
“He shoulda came to me the moment Bash contacted him.”
“Fraternizing with the enemy is punishable by death,” someone called. “No matter who it is.
It was so crowded, and Johnnie was so woozy, he couldn’t identify the speaker.
Christopher nodded. “Ryan still learnin’ the ropes,” he said easily. “He ain’t knowin’ the Scorpions are Dweller enemies. That’s why the boys are here. I want to make sure they know if a motherfucker from any fuckin’ club approach you and you keep it from us, you gettin’ fuckin’ beat. It ain’t only endangerin’ your life, but your mas, your sisters, and your aunts. It’s endangerin’ the club. You Dweller sons. Disrespect to the club not tolerated. Disloyalty to the club won’t be tolerated. You don’t have to be a part of the club. If you want a different life, we still love you, but you will always be affiliated. If you not a part of the club, keep your fuckin’ mouth shut to civilians. If you are a part of the club, keep your fuckin’ mouth shut to civilians. Alfuckinways report any strange motherfucker who approach you. Hear me?”
“Yeah, Dad,” CJ said.
“Yes, Uncle Christopher,” Devon said quietly, staring at Ryan, still in Zoann’s embrace, while she softly sobbed.
“Yes, sir,” Grant responded, and smiled at Knox Harrington, his father.
“Yeah, Uncle Christopher,” Rory said, sniffling.
“Ryan?” Christopher pressed.
Zoann released her son, swiping at her cheeks. “Answer your uncle, Ryan. I sat in misery for half an hour and—”
The opening door brought in three more of Christopher’s sons—Ransom, Ryder, and Axel.
Ryder was a blond like Johnnie…he blinked. Ryder was a blond like Megan, with her blue eyes, though at eleven, Christopher’s genes were creeping out in his height.
“Before you beat our asses, we want to plead our case, Dad,” Axel said. He was ten and on the small side. Possibly, because he’d been born prematurely.
It made Johnnie wonder about Jo, and whether her early and difficult entry into the world would affect her stature.
“We’d also like a change of venue,” Ransom added. He was twelve, sharing his father’s green eyes and black hair like the other Caldwell boys with the exception of Ryder. “This is a biased setting, far away from home. When you beat our asses, we won’t be able to walk through a fucking forest, Dad.”
“Then fuckin’ crawl the fuck back home,” Christopher said.
“Now, Dad, we ask permission to call an unbiased witness,” Ryder said, stepping forward, though still out of grab-reach.
Christopher lifted a brow. “Your ma?”
“We’re going to FaceTime her,” Axel said.
“Zoom,” Ransom corrected around a cough. “Depositions and testimony are done on Zoom.”
Despite the laughter rolling through the crowd, Christopher didn’t crack a smile.
“Mom will plead on our behalf and point out all our good qualities. She will remind you that we pushed that motherfucker into the creek because he intruded on us during a private meeting with our cousins.”
“When you cut fuckin’ class, boy—”
“Objection, Dad!” Axel said. “We’re not on trial for that.”
“Overfuckinruled! You ain’t on trial for a motherfuckin’ thing. Your punishment already decided.”
“Even Medieval peasants had a trial before they were executed,” Ransom protested.
“And Rule isn’t fucked up and he stabbed that Leatherface motherfucker,” Ryder said.
“Shut up,” Axel ordered. “Rule probably prayed a curse on Dad’s hands. Don’t make Dad beat him because he might turn our dicks bug size.”
“That’s not how prayers work!” Rule cried as Ransom said, “you’re puny. Your dick’s already bug sized.”
“Nuh-uh!” Axel screeched with indignation, his green eyes flaring. Like all the Caldwell boys, he imitated his father in black jeans, a white T-shirt, and boots. “Mine’s goliath!”
Roars of laughter echoed through the room.
Christopher raised his hand. “Bitsy, take Ryan and Devon home.”
Not hesitating, she hugged Val, nodded to Devon then shoved Ryan in the direction of the door. Once they were gone, Christopher spoke again.
“Potter, dig out the bullet in Johnnie’s shoulder.”
Potter was back? Had he killed Brooks?
“Can I dig out the bullet?” Rory called and, for a moment, silence fell.
Chapter Two - Christopher
Of all the things Christopher anticipated, it wasn’t Rory asking to dig the bullet out of Johnnie’s shoulder. As upset as the boy was, Christopher expected his nephew to beg for Johnnie to be taken to a hospital. The anticipation gleaming in Rory’s eyes shocked Christopher.
“I know you good with knives, Rory, but seein’ blood runnin’ down a motherfucker not for the faint of heart.”
Shame crossed Rory’s face and he hung his head. “I-I understand, Uncle Christopher.”
Christopher narrowed his eyes at Johnnie again. Fucking, motherfucking fuckhead assfuck. He was still taking Rory into the meatshack. But for fucking what? Carving dead animals? There hadn’t been a fucking human body since Cole.
Until he got all the facts, Christopher didn’t want to jump the gun and fuck up Johnnie without just cause. Nor did he want to humiliate Rory. Degrading a kid had a lasting impact…
Thoughtful, he glanced at Val. Suddenly, Ryan’s unchecked disrespect took on a new meaning.
“Rory, help Potter, boy,” Christopher said gruffly. “If you not fuckin’ faintin’ at the sight of blood…” Then he should allow the lil’ motherfucker to jab it as deeply as possible into Johnnie’s shoulder and teach that motherfucker a lesson. “Then, maybe, you can fuckin’ practice…” Sighing, he squeezed the bridge of his nose. But if Johnnie was bringing Rory into the fucking meatshack, then Christopher had to get the situation in hand. “You turnin’ fifteen in a few months. Me and you talkin’, but you gotta follow my rules. Understand?”
Sitting straighter, Rory nodded.
“Rory’s my son, Christopher,” Johnnie slurred. The motherfucker’s normally tanned skin was pale. “If you want to teach anyone about the meatshack, why don’t you take CJ? But you’re raisin’ him to be a pussy, so you won’t!”
The horror in Rory’s eyes arrested Christopher’s anger. If not for his nephew, Johnnie would’ve been dead more than once this evening.
“My brother isn’t a pussy, fuck fingers,” Axel yelled, his face flushing in anger. “He’s just not ready. When he is, I hope you’re his first victim. You made Mom cry!”
“Yeah, so if CJ don’t bring you into the meatshack, Ryder and me will,” Ransom said.
Puffing his chest out in pride, Christopher considered letting them off the hook. He couldn’t, though. They’d fucked up as much as Ryan, and he didn’t want to be accused of favoritism.
Of course, he might have to face Megan’s wrath. On the ride from the coffee shop, she’d told him another thing she’d never forgive him was killing one of their children. Besides cheating and raising his hand to her, but since he’d never do either of those things, she didn’t have to worry.
Howfuckinever, if their boys joined the club and they fucked up …well, fuck…he didn’t want to think about that scenario. He was certain it hadn’t all sank in for Megan, either.
He waited until Potter helped Johnnie to his feet, then placed an arm around his shoulder before guiding him to the hallway. Christopher nodded to Rory, who didn’t hesitate in running behind.
Cash stood again. “I say we take a vote, Outlaw. Those in favor of a lockdown here and those who want to return to their chapters and go on lockdown.”
Christopher walked back to the podium. “No vote needed,” he said. “If you want to return to your chapter, ride out. I expect immediate lockdown—”
“We brokered a peace deal with the Gnomes,” Wheeler said. He’d been in the club for eight years. He was a solid dude and an ace mechanic. “Can we find a way to do the same with the Scorpions?”
Bash was circling for a fucking reason. Most of what Christopher believed was pure speculation but he didn’t want to take a fucking chance. Yeah, his main concern was his girl. However, he had an allegiance to his brothers. He wanted to protect them and their families.
Fuck, he wasn’t going to argue with these motherfuckers. He’d already been away from Megan too long, and she still wasn’t completely well. “I will explore our fuckin’ options,” he said. “Meetin’ fuckin’ adjourned.”
Before he banged the gavel, someone called, “no lockdown for us?”
“No lockdown,” Christopher agreed. “Howfuckinever, until I discover what Bash wants or a peace agreement is reached” —which would never fucking happen— “out-of-town brothers return to your chapters. It’s the best fuckin’ way I can protect you or prevent a fuckin’ war.” If one of them were killed in Hortensia and the Dwellers retaliated, guns would blaze and blood would spill across the country.
He banged the gavel.
While the mass exodus occurred, he ordered the podium removed and his sons to find seats. Forty-five minutes later, Potter had rejoined them, Christopher had a smoke, a few hits of Aunt Mary from the bud Mort passed around, two beers, and the clubhouse was nearly empty.
His phone dinged. Expecting to see a message from Megan asking about their sons, Christopher frowned at the unfamiliar number.
“Tell Mom to hurry and call,” Axel said, moving restlessly on the seat. “Rescue us from you.”
“It ain’t your ma,” he said offhandedly as a picture of Jo in her incubator uploaded to his screen. He sucked in a breath, torn between joy and relief at seeing his daughter’s precious face and annoyance at who he suspected the sender might be.
Hey. Don’t be cross. With wifey home, I noticed you haven’t come as much. I wanted to keep you updated on Baby Jo.
Christopher drew in a breath. Another photo of her sleeping so peacefully, a small cap covering the patches of black hair, her skin abnormally flushed. He scratched his jaw.
How you got my number?
He paid attention to talking correctly as much as he could. Fuck texts. He couldn’t be bothered.
From Jo’s file.
He scowled.
“What’s wrong, Dad?” CJ asked with a grin. “Is Mom threatening you?”
“Fuckin’ Torie textin’ me.” He threw his phone on the table. “Sendin’ me pictures of Jo. I want to be mad cuz she took it on herself and got my number from the file, but fuck. She sendin’ me Jo.”
“We Caldwell men drug bitches with our charm,” Ransom said. “Just soak up the attention, man.”
“This Caldwell man will need drugs when one bitch fuck him up,” he grumbled.
“You’re underestimating Mom,” CJ said.
“Yeah, Uncle Chris,” Diesel added. “Aunt Meggie has been faced with women wanting you since she met you.”
Hearing another message, he hesitated.
“Fuck, Outlaw,” Val said, his eyes widening. “You noticed how gorgeous Torie is?”
“It’s hard not to,” Ryder inserted. “Dad got eyes in his head, Uncle Val. Although the motherfuckers might be old, so it’s hard for him to see.”
The jokes eased his mind and Christopher laughed with everyone else.
“You want to stay close to Aunt Meggie, Uncle Christopher,” Grant said. “Torie’s just being the cool nurse she has always been.”
“Yeah, Outlaw, and if you really worried about upsetting Meggie, don’t tell her,” Digger advised.
He glanced at his phone. Another message came through.
“Consider it club business,” Cash said. “Until Sweetness is well enough to spend hours at the hospital with Jo, Torie has given you a connection to her.”
“You’ve been her primary caregiver, Dad,” CJ said. “Mom will understand that you want to stay in touch and will appreciate you not having to leave her. She does need a few days to recover, but she doesn’t have it since it’s almost Christmas and then New Year’s, then your birthday.”
“CJ right, Prez,” Mort finally said. He’d been taking the conversation in. “Meggie girl not that insecure. Although no chick can touch Bailey, your woman a close second.”
“Fuck you, motherfucker,” Christopher said, snickering. “My woman a goddess.”
“Text Torie,” Mort insisted. “Stay up to date about Jo. After your birthday and shit over, show Meggie girl all the pictures. She overwhelmed with everything right now.”
“Torie’s a cool chick,” CJ said. “She made the right call. It was a little unethical, but it solves a lot of problems. Mom will never doubt your love for her.”
Finally giving in to temptation, Christopher opened the texts and found several photos, including one where Jo was fixated on something. Probably Torie, since all the motherfuckers pegged her correctly. The nurse went above and beyond.
I sowwy. Don’t be mad that I’ve been a bad girl.
Discomfort settled into Christopher’s gut, though he smiled at her attempt to ease his mood.
Don’t overstep again. I love my wife.
“So, my dad has every right to kick the fuck out of you for disrespecting him, right, Uncle Johnnie?” CJ said dryly.
Johnnie waited a beat, allowing Christopher a chance to reprimand his son. He didn’t. “I beg your fucking pardon?” he said. “The same rules apply to you, nephew.”
As his indignation rose, his pain receded.
Ryan smirked at CJ.
Christopher looked at the disrespectful little motherfucker and lifted a brow. Immediately, CJ clenched his jaw and looked away.
“CJ’s right, though, Johnnie,” a voice called from the crowd. “Prez ordered lockdown. Whether we like it or not, we have to follow his orders.”
Johnnie wanted to be anywhere else and he’d kill not to be in his current predicament. If the club went on lockdown, it would give Christopher time to discover everything Bash wanted. Though his main target was Megan, Kendall and Mattie were still at risk. All Johnnie needed was a smoking gun to either make Bash back off or to bring to Christopher or both. If Johnnie prevailed, Christopher would be too busy looking after Megan to worry about all the fine details of what Bash wanted. Yes, he’d still be out for Bash’s blood, but his focus would be distracted. “He’s using the club’s resources to take care of a personal problem!”
“I’m usin’ the club’s resources to take care of a fuckin’ problem,” Christopher said flatly. “Megan got in the crosshairs.” His narrowed eyed contemplation chilled Johnnie. “Somehow. It might be because I fucked up Cole, but that shit don’t make fuckin’ sense. Why you payin’ Bash to keep the Scorched Devils safe? Those motherfuckers barely fuckin’ allies of the Dwellers. If any motherfucker payin’ up, it should be Derby and the fuckin’ Hounds. Ain’t fuckin’ pointin’ out how that shit don’t make sense either and I ain’t pointin’ out how you and Brooks involved my wife in club business then don’t expect me to use club fuckin’ resources to fuck up every motherfucker involved.”
Fuck, fuck, fuck.
Johnnie should never have told Brooks to involve Megan. “You’re reaching, Christopher—”
When Christopher walked from behind the podium, paused to snatch Ryan by the throat and drag him over to Johnnie, he thought about running. But Christopher might’ve shot him in the back.
“You know what the fuck I think, Johnnie,” Christopher said menacingly, ignoring Ryan’s struggles. “Bash after Megan for club shit. Just like Cee Cee was, but it’s club shit between the Dwellers and the Scorpions. Know what the fuck else I think? Kendall somehow entangled in this web. That’s why you and Brooks involved. I just ain’t figured out if you and Brooks dragged my woman in to protect Kendall. Or if Megan and Kendall was in danger from the beginnin’.” He head locked Ryan. “Now, Ryan, you disrespectful lil’ motherfucker, if I break your fuckin’ neck, your ma and old man goin’ to be devastated. But Rule got in the Scorps’ sites by savin’ you. You wanna be a fuckin’ man, Ima treat you like a fuckin’ man and stomp the fuck outta you.”
He shoved Ryan away so forcefully that the boy stumbled and fell on his hands on knees.
“Go and get your Aunt Bitsy, CJ,” Christopher said, turning to Ryan and stalking toward him, while CJ followed his father’s orders.
“No!” Ryan screamed, scrambling to his feet. “MOM! POPS, help!” he cried hoarsely, turning to run, but unable to escape Christopher as he snatched him by the hair and yanked him back.
Christopher’s first blow landed in Ryan’s gut.
“I’m sorry, Uncle Christopher! I’m sorry!” Ryan sobbed.
“Our father, who art in Heaven…” Rule started as Christopher grabbed Ryan again and punched his jaw.
Ryan teetered and fell backwards as CJ guided Zoann to where Val sat, watching in colorless horror.
“Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come…” Rule continued a little too gleefully for Johnnie’s comfort.
“What did I do, Uncle Christopher?” Ryan wailed, darting over members to escape Christopher.
“Thy will be done. On earth, as it is in Heaven…”
“Don’t play fuckin’ dumb, boy. If Bash wanted to fuckin’ kill you, you fucked over him somehow!”
“Wait, wait, wait! I can explain…”
“Give us this day. Our daily bread…”
Johnnie was starting to get lightheaded.
“And forgive us our trespasses. As we forgive those who trespass against us...”
Christopher snatched Ryan to him and shoved him toward Zoann and Val.
“And lead us not into temptation…”
“Get him in hand. Hear me, Bitsy? Val?”
Zoann nodded frantically, wrapping her arms around Ryan as Val kept his hands on her hips, clinging to her.
“He shoulda came to me the moment Bash contacted him.”
“Fraternizing with the enemy is punishable by death,” someone called. “No matter who it is.
It was so crowded, and Johnnie was so woozy, he couldn’t identify the speaker.
Christopher nodded. “Ryan still learnin’ the ropes,” he said easily. “He ain’t knowin’ the Scorpions are Dweller enemies. That’s why the boys are here. I want to make sure they know if a motherfucker from any fuckin’ club approach you and you keep it from us, you gettin’ fuckin’ beat. It ain’t only endangerin’ your life, but your mas, your sisters, and your aunts. It’s endangerin’ the club. You Dweller sons. Disrespect to the club not tolerated. Disloyalty to the club won’t be tolerated. You don’t have to be a part of the club. If you want a different life, we still love you, but you will always be affiliated. If you not a part of the club, keep your fuckin’ mouth shut to civilians. If you are a part of the club, keep your fuckin’ mouth shut to civilians. Alfuckinways report any strange motherfucker who approach you. Hear me?”
“Yeah, Dad,” CJ said.
“Yes, Uncle Christopher,” Devon said quietly, staring at Ryan, still in Zoann’s embrace, while she softly sobbed.
“Yes, sir,” Grant responded, and smiled at Knox Harrington, his father.
“Yeah, Uncle Christopher,” Rory said, sniffling.
“Ryan?” Christopher pressed.
Zoann released her son, swiping at her cheeks. “Answer your uncle, Ryan. I sat in misery for half an hour and—”
The opening door brought in three more of Christopher’s sons—Ransom, Ryder, and Axel.
Ryder was a blond like Johnnie…he blinked. Ryder was a blond like Megan, with her blue eyes, though at eleven, Christopher’s genes were creeping out in his height.
“Before you beat our asses, we want to plead our case, Dad,” Axel said. He was ten and on the small side. Possibly, because he’d been born prematurely.
It made Johnnie wonder about Jo, and whether her early and difficult entry into the world would affect her stature.
“We’d also like a change of venue,” Ransom added. He was twelve, sharing his father’s green eyes and black hair like the other Caldwell boys with the exception of Ryder. “This is a biased setting, far away from home. When you beat our asses, we won’t be able to walk through a fucking forest, Dad.”
“Then fuckin’ crawl the fuck back home,” Christopher said.
“Now, Dad, we ask permission to call an unbiased witness,” Ryder said, stepping forward, though still out of grab-reach.
Christopher lifted a brow. “Your ma?”
“We’re going to FaceTime her,” Axel said.
“Zoom,” Ransom corrected around a cough. “Depositions and testimony are done on Zoom.”
Despite the laughter rolling through the crowd, Christopher didn’t crack a smile.
“Mom will plead on our behalf and point out all our good qualities. She will remind you that we pushed that motherfucker into the creek because he intruded on us during a private meeting with our cousins.”
“When you cut fuckin’ class, boy—”
“Objection, Dad!” Axel said. “We’re not on trial for that.”
“Overfuckinruled! You ain’t on trial for a motherfuckin’ thing. Your punishment already decided.”
“Even Medieval peasants had a trial before they were executed,” Ransom protested.
“And Rule isn’t fucked up and he stabbed that Leatherface motherfucker,” Ryder said.
“Shut up,” Axel ordered. “Rule probably prayed a curse on Dad’s hands. Don’t make Dad beat him because he might turn our dicks bug size.”
“That’s not how prayers work!” Rule cried as Ransom said, “you’re puny. Your dick’s already bug sized.”
“Nuh-uh!” Axel screeched with indignation, his green eyes flaring. Like all the Caldwell boys, he imitated his father in black jeans, a white T-shirt, and boots. “Mine’s goliath!”
Roars of laughter echoed through the room.
Christopher raised his hand. “Bitsy, take Ryan and Devon home.”
Not hesitating, she hugged Val, nodded to Devon then shoved Ryan in the direction of the door. Once they were gone, Christopher spoke again.
“Potter, dig out the bullet in Johnnie’s shoulder.”
Potter was back? Had he killed Brooks?
“Can I dig out the bullet?” Rory called and, for a moment, silence fell.
Chapter Two - Christopher
Of all the things Christopher anticipated, it wasn’t Rory asking to dig the bullet out of Johnnie’s shoulder. As upset as the boy was, Christopher expected his nephew to beg for Johnnie to be taken to a hospital. The anticipation gleaming in Rory’s eyes shocked Christopher.
“I know you good with knives, Rory, but seein’ blood runnin’ down a motherfucker not for the faint of heart.”
Shame crossed Rory’s face and he hung his head. “I-I understand, Uncle Christopher.”
Christopher narrowed his eyes at Johnnie again. Fucking, motherfucking fuckhead assfuck. He was still taking Rory into the meatshack. But for fucking what? Carving dead animals? There hadn’t been a fucking human body since Cole.
Until he got all the facts, Christopher didn’t want to jump the gun and fuck up Johnnie without just cause. Nor did he want to humiliate Rory. Degrading a kid had a lasting impact…
Thoughtful, he glanced at Val. Suddenly, Ryan’s unchecked disrespect took on a new meaning.
“Rory, help Potter, boy,” Christopher said gruffly. “If you not fuckin’ faintin’ at the sight of blood…” Then he should allow the lil’ motherfucker to jab it as deeply as possible into Johnnie’s shoulder and teach that motherfucker a lesson. “Then, maybe, you can fuckin’ practice…” Sighing, he squeezed the bridge of his nose. But if Johnnie was bringing Rory into the fucking meatshack, then Christopher had to get the situation in hand. “You turnin’ fifteen in a few months. Me and you talkin’, but you gotta follow my rules. Understand?”
Sitting straighter, Rory nodded.
“Rory’s my son, Christopher,” Johnnie slurred. The motherfucker’s normally tanned skin was pale. “If you want to teach anyone about the meatshack, why don’t you take CJ? But you’re raisin’ him to be a pussy, so you won’t!”
The horror in Rory’s eyes arrested Christopher’s anger. If not for his nephew, Johnnie would’ve been dead more than once this evening.
“My brother isn’t a pussy, fuck fingers,” Axel yelled, his face flushing in anger. “He’s just not ready. When he is, I hope you’re his first victim. You made Mom cry!”
“Yeah, so if CJ don’t bring you into the meatshack, Ryder and me will,” Ransom said.
Puffing his chest out in pride, Christopher considered letting them off the hook. He couldn’t, though. They’d fucked up as much as Ryan, and he didn’t want to be accused of favoritism.
Of course, he might have to face Megan’s wrath. On the ride from the coffee shop, she’d told him another thing she’d never forgive him was killing one of their children. Besides cheating and raising his hand to her, but since he’d never do either of those things, she didn’t have to worry.
Howfuckinever, if their boys joined the club and they fucked up …well, fuck…he didn’t want to think about that scenario. He was certain it hadn’t all sank in for Megan, either.
He waited until Potter helped Johnnie to his feet, then placed an arm around his shoulder before guiding him to the hallway. Christopher nodded to Rory, who didn’t hesitate in running behind.
Cash stood again. “I say we take a vote, Outlaw. Those in favor of a lockdown here and those who want to return to their chapters and go on lockdown.”
Christopher walked back to the podium. “No vote needed,” he said. “If you want to return to your chapter, ride out. I expect immediate lockdown—”
“We brokered a peace deal with the Gnomes,” Wheeler said. He’d been in the club for eight years. He was a solid dude and an ace mechanic. “Can we find a way to do the same with the Scorpions?”
Bash was circling for a fucking reason. Most of what Christopher believed was pure speculation but he didn’t want to take a fucking chance. Yeah, his main concern was his girl. However, he had an allegiance to his brothers. He wanted to protect them and their families.
Fuck, he wasn’t going to argue with these motherfuckers. He’d already been away from Megan too long, and she still wasn’t completely well. “I will explore our fuckin’ options,” he said. “Meetin’ fuckin’ adjourned.”
Before he banged the gavel, someone called, “no lockdown for us?”
“No lockdown,” Christopher agreed. “Howfuckinever, until I discover what Bash wants or a peace agreement is reached” —which would never fucking happen— “out-of-town brothers return to your chapters. It’s the best fuckin’ way I can protect you or prevent a fuckin’ war.” If one of them were killed in Hortensia and the Dwellers retaliated, guns would blaze and blood would spill across the country.
He banged the gavel.
While the mass exodus occurred, he ordered the podium removed and his sons to find seats. Forty-five minutes later, Potter had rejoined them, Christopher had a smoke, a few hits of Aunt Mary from the bud Mort passed around, two beers, and the clubhouse was nearly empty.
His phone dinged. Expecting to see a message from Megan asking about their sons, Christopher frowned at the unfamiliar number.
“Tell Mom to hurry and call,” Axel said, moving restlessly on the seat. “Rescue us from you.”
“It ain’t your ma,” he said offhandedly as a picture of Jo in her incubator uploaded to his screen. He sucked in a breath, torn between joy and relief at seeing his daughter’s precious face and annoyance at who he suspected the sender might be.
Hey. Don’t be cross. With wifey home, I noticed you haven’t come as much. I wanted to keep you updated on Baby Jo.
Christopher drew in a breath. Another photo of her sleeping so peacefully, a small cap covering the patches of black hair, her skin abnormally flushed. He scratched his jaw.
How you got my number?
He paid attention to talking correctly as much as he could. Fuck texts. He couldn’t be bothered.
From Jo’s file.
He scowled.
“What’s wrong, Dad?” CJ asked with a grin. “Is Mom threatening you?”
“Fuckin’ Torie textin’ me.” He threw his phone on the table. “Sendin’ me pictures of Jo. I want to be mad cuz she took it on herself and got my number from the file, but fuck. She sendin’ me Jo.”
“We Caldwell men drug bitches with our charm,” Ransom said. “Just soak up the attention, man.”
“This Caldwell man will need drugs when one bitch fuck him up,” he grumbled.
“You’re underestimating Mom,” CJ said.
“Yeah, Uncle Chris,” Diesel added. “Aunt Meggie has been faced with women wanting you since she met you.”
Hearing another message, he hesitated.
“Fuck, Outlaw,” Val said, his eyes widening. “You noticed how gorgeous Torie is?”
“It’s hard not to,” Ryder inserted. “Dad got eyes in his head, Uncle Val. Although the motherfuckers might be old, so it’s hard for him to see.”
The jokes eased his mind and Christopher laughed with everyone else.
“You want to stay close to Aunt Meggie, Uncle Christopher,” Grant said. “Torie’s just being the cool nurse she has always been.”
“Yeah, Outlaw, and if you really worried about upsetting Meggie, don’t tell her,” Digger advised.
He glanced at his phone. Another message came through.
“Consider it club business,” Cash said. “Until Sweetness is well enough to spend hours at the hospital with Jo, Torie has given you a connection to her.”
“You’ve been her primary caregiver, Dad,” CJ said. “Mom will understand that you want to stay in touch and will appreciate you not having to leave her. She does need a few days to recover, but she doesn’t have it since it’s almost Christmas and then New Year’s, then your birthday.”
“CJ right, Prez,” Mort finally said. He’d been taking the conversation in. “Meggie girl not that insecure. Although no chick can touch Bailey, your woman a close second.”
“Fuck you, motherfucker,” Christopher said, snickering. “My woman a goddess.”
“Text Torie,” Mort insisted. “Stay up to date about Jo. After your birthday and shit over, show Meggie girl all the pictures. She overwhelmed with everything right now.”
“Torie’s a cool chick,” CJ said. “She made the right call. It was a little unethical, but it solves a lot of problems. Mom will never doubt your love for her.”
Finally giving in to temptation, Christopher opened the texts and found several photos, including one where Jo was fixated on something. Probably Torie, since all the motherfuckers pegged her correctly. The nurse went above and beyond.
I sowwy. Don’t be mad that I’ve been a bad girl.
Discomfort settled into Christopher’s gut, though he smiled at her attempt to ease his mood.
Don’t overstep again. I love my wife.
