Helpless (Steel Demons MC #5) - Crystal Ash Page 0,95
whiskey did you select, president?”
“I like this twelve-year from, what was it?” Reaper dipped his nose in the glass. “Big Sky Distillery. Your friend told me it’s the only above-board distillery running since the Collapse.”
“Ah yes, still wild country up there in Montana,” Vance grinned. “Not much has changed that far north.”
“I hope this doesn’t make you think I keep my business strictly legal,” Reaper smirked.
“Wouldn’t dream of it!” Vance laughed. “Working with the Sons has taught me to ask either the right questions, or none at all.”
“Smart man.”
The conversation paused as everyone leaned back to allow servers to place salads in front of them. My eyebrows lifted as I watched Reaper place his napkin in his lap, then reached for his salad fork. I wondered if my guys would eat like they were raised by wolves in a place like this, but it seemed I had nothing to fear.
“My daughter has taken quite a liking to you, ma’am,” Vance nodded at me before his first bite of salad. “From what she tells me, you were the one who conducted the actual rescuing.”
“You can call me Mari, sir. And thank you,” I smiled at him. “I just had to get near her and stall for a distraction. I couldn’t have gotten her out of there without the men providing firepower and muscle.”
“She’s being modest.” T-Bone grinned from across the table. “She pulled a knife on Blake and his son, then put herself between them and Kyrie. And then they made a break for it when armed guards started shooting.”
“My word.” Vance leaned back in his seat, looking at Reaper. “I know things work differently in MCs, but I can’t imagine sending my wife into danger. Medic or not.”
“I tried to stop her,” Reaper chuckled. “But we also work democratically, and I was outvoted. It’s ironic that the women came out unscathed, while my best fighter nearly died.”
“Ah, yes. I was told. Remind me his name?”
“Shadow, he’s the big fucker—er guy, right there.”
Vance leaned over his plate. “Excuse me, Shadow?”
His head jerked up from reading something on Grudge’s notepad, eyes wide with confusion. “Um yes, governor?”
“A toast to you and your bravery.” The governor lifted his glass, prompting everyone at the table to do the same. “The injuries you sustained on this mission were not in vain. I’m forever in the debt of the Steel Demons MC and the Sons of Odin MC for returning my only child to me safe and unharmed.”
“Daaaad.” Kyrie hid her face behind her hands, earning soft laughs from everyone in attendance.
“You’re all heroes to Four Corners,” Vance continued. “Wherever your travels may take you, you will always have a home here. Cheers!”
He turned to clink his crystal wine glass against Reaper’s tumbler, the sound rippling down the table as politicians toasted and celebrated with outlaws. How often did that happen these days?
“I expect you to hold me to that, president,” Vance leaned over to talk directly into Reaper’s ear. “I want to assure you I’m not making empty promises as a figurehead. I’m a grateful father, who happens to have a bit of wealth and some power. Tell me what you need and I’ll make it happen.”
Reaper set his salad fork down and swirled the remainder of his drink, ever thoughtful and methodical. “I appreciate that, governor. First I’d like to know, are you concerned about Blakeworth declaring war on Four Corners since they see your daughter as their stolen property?”
“My general has already been informed and is preparing our troops,” Vance said lightly. “I’m not especially concerned because of how quick citizens are to desert Blakeworth. I imagine we’ll have plenty coming to our side once they see Four Corners as a place of refuge.”
“Mari mentioned Blake may be in alliance with General Tash,” Gunner jumped in. “Even if Blake’s army deserts him, Tash is a force to be reckoned with. He’s why we had to leave our previous home.”
“I’ve heard stories about this man, too,” Vance mused. “They call him the phantom general around here. He strikes quickly, then disappears and sends others to do his bidding, is that right?”
“Sounds like him,” Gunner said. “He tried to use our club as one of his pawns, but we caught on and fought back. One of our best men died in his last attack on our home.”
“My deepest condolences,” Vance offered. “I’ll let General Bray know about this possible alliance. He’s very resourceful himself and has his own crafty methods of gathering information. It’s a