Road Tripped (Satan's Devils MC Utah #1) - Manda Mellett Page 0,72
want when we’re expecting company. SD Consulting, or something appropriate to the situation. When we invite someone back here, we put on a front that they are most comfortable with.”
Except when I’d turned up and caught them off-guard.
“But why keep this from Drummer?” That’s what I can’t understand.
“I don’t ride a bike and have no desire too,” Pip starts to explain. “That would exclude me from leading the MC, publicly or privately. And what about Swift? I may not have broken the regulations as they don’t specifically exclude women members, but Drummer’s assumption is that we all have dicks.”
Apart from being totally unable to understand why Pip won’t ride a motorcycle, I suppose I’ve been told everything I need to know. It’s one hell of a backstory, but one which is credible. Perhaps if I hadn’t previously met Devil, I’d have found it harder to believe. What I don’t know, is, “Where does this leave me?”
“Pip and I have had some discussion, Road. A suggestion was already made that you patch over, and we want you to seriously consider it. We’d like you to join us.”
I snort. “You just don’t want me running back to Drummer and let him in on your game.”
Snatcher looks annoyed. “There’s that, but there’s more to it. We think you’ve got something to offer.”
For the second time I snort, then scoff. “Yeah, right. I can see I’m a good fit—”
“Road, I don’t think you realise what you can bring to the table,” Pip interrupts. “Snatch has told me that your ideas yesterday shaved a day off us rescuing that kid.” He taps his brain. “Sometimes it’s not about schooling, certificates or having a trade. Sometimes what’s needed is good old-fashioned common sense. You’ve got to be quick-witted to be able to ride as you do—”
“Did.” My turn to break into his speech.
“Did, do, will, won’t. That’s beside the fuckin’ point.” At that moment I see what Snatcher had seen all those years ago in the bar. This is a man who’ll take no prisoners and who I should stay on the right side of. His appearance of respectability is an illusion.
“We won’t even make you prospect.” Snatcher relieves the building tension with a quick grin.
That was an option? “What if I say no?”
Snatcher mimes cutting his throat which makes Pip roll his eyes. He picks up the bottle and waves at my glass. When I nod, he tops it up.
“Depends whether we can trust you, Road. This operation we run has saved hundreds of lives.”
“I get that,” I tell him, raising my glass and breathing in the fumes before taking a sip. This is the type of whisky you savour. “But say Drummer wanted to close this chapter down. You’ve got everything you need to go it alone, start your own club. I don’t understand what’s so important about staying Satan’s Devils.”
“Satan’s Devils are known. They’ve got a charter from the dominant club, the Wretched Soulz. It’s not just a cover for us, being Devils is our way of life.”
“I understand that from you, Snatcher, but Pip doesn’t ride a bike.”
Suddenly Pip lurches forward. “I also don’t have tats or a beard. Want me to grow one so I look like I fit? I run this club. I look after the members. I run this business. You want me to give that all up because I don’t want to ride a fuckin’ bike?”
“You want to, Pip.” Snatcher nudges him.
“Whether I want to or not is moot. I don’t have… How the hell did we get on to this? I was asking Road if we could trust him.” Pip’s face has gone red.
“You sound like you’re giving me a choice, but what choice is it? Whether I transfer or return to Tucson, I wouldn’t be able to avoid lying to my prez. You’re asking me to fabricate some story about what you get up to in Utah.” My eyes meet Pip’s. “He’s not stupid, Pip. Don’t underestimate him. He’ll not be satisfied with an ‘everything’s fine’. He’ll want to know all the details, how you’re making your money for a start.”
“Then stay. Don’t go back.”
“Just as bad, Pip. I don’t return and Drummer will come looking for me. He won’t consider a transfer request without seeing me face-to-face. You were right when I first arrived. Drummer asked me to check your chapter out. Sure, I can tell him you don’t run drugs or deal in guns and have nothing to do with prostitution, but that will