Fire founder and president, but he seemed to have aged several years within that time. I’d always admired Crow, even when the tension between our clubs led to my being exiled to Savannah. Crow was one of the last of the Portland O.G.s, and now that Cutter was gone it was hard not to see traces of him when I looked at him.
“It’s good to see you, Minus,” Crow greeted me warmly before taking his seat, followed by the rest of us. It felt strange to not be sitting at the head of the table myself, but this was Crow’s table, and I was merely here as an honored guest. Also, in attendance were their club’s V.P., Booker, Hatch, and half a dozen other high-ranking Dogs.
Crow and Cutter started the Dogs together, but Cutter split off to start the Burning Saints. The Dogs were a smaller club that put a higher emphasis on family than club life. At least that’s the way I saw it. They stayed (more or less) on the good side of the law, and even worked with law enforcement to take down some serious bad guys on more than one occasion. To say our clubs were opposites would be an understatement. We drew the line at running dope or girls, a vacuum the Gresham Spiders gladly filled, but beyond that, we were about getting paid. That is until cancer gave Cutter the ability to tell the future and he put a halt on our club’s way of life.
“I appreciate you all taking a few minutes away from your families today. I promise I won’t keep you long.” Crow spoke in a rich baritone. The rasp in his voice telling the story of every cigarette he’d ever smoked. “I’ve asked Minus, Clutch, and Warthog from the Burning Saints to join us, as what I have to say may affect them as well.”
I gave him a nod. “Thank you for having us and the other officers to your clubhouse for dinner. We appreciate the hospitality.”
Hands around the room slapped the table in agreement.
“I’ll get straight to it, then,” Crow continued. “I’m old as fuck and twice as tired. It’s time for me to retire and tonight I’m naming my successor.”
There were audible gasps, followed by confused glances, and finally an eruption of voices.
“Alright, calm the fuck down,” Crow said, before bringing his gavel down on the table.
Booker slid a gift toward Hatch.
“What the hell is this?” Hatch asked.
“Open it,” Booker said.
Hatch unwrapped the box and slid the top off, revealing a patch that read, ‘President.’
“What the fuck?” Hatch said.
“Weren’t you listening?” Crow asked, smiling. “I’m retiring as the club’s president. I’m handing the patch to you.”
“Why?” Hatch asked. “It should go to Booker.”
Booker spoke up. “Crow and I have talked about this in private, and both agree that I’m better suited to continue to serve as V.P.”
“What the fuck are you both talking about?” Hatch yelled. “Crow, you even thinking about retiring is crazy enough as it is, but if it happens, the vice president has to move up.”
“This isn’t the United States government, Hatch.” Crow laughed. “We can do whatever the fuck we want.”
“I’m glad this is a joke to you, cause I’m sure as shit not laughing,” Hatch said.
“If you really think retiring from a club that I started almost thirty years ago is a joke, then maybe I’ve made the wrong choice after all,” Crow said.
“Choice about what?” Hatch asked.
“The choice to promote you to President of the Dogs of Fire.”
Hatch sat in stunned silence.
“Congratulations, brother,” Booker said, patting him on the back as the room filled with applause.
Hatch rose to his feet, his expression still one of utter shock. “No, no wait. This belongs to Booker.”
Crow rose and placed a hand on Hatch’s shoulder. “Booker and I have been talking this over for months and you’re the one.”
“But, I—”
“There isn’t a Dog that doesn’t respect you or that would disagree with my decision,” Crow said to nods all around.
Hell, even I had to admit that Cricket’s brother was gonna make a great president, even if it did complicate my life further.
“I’m gonna make the official announcement of my retirement and Hatch’s promotion tonight at dinner but wanted to meet with you all in private first. I thought it important to include the Saints because I believe our two clubs may have some rough roads ahead of us.”
“All the more reason we need you at the helm,” Hatch said.
“I’ll still be available to you as