they killed off their own men without hard evidence.
Zeus watched his men carry Patch inside the clubhouse, turning a menacing expression on Jolly. “Do you have proof? Hard proof, that’ll convince me your attack on Patch was justified.”
“Yeah, I got proof. Heard him talking on his phone, saying he needed to meet up. Said it was urgent.” Jolly glanced around the circle of men. “I want to talk to you in private.”
Zeus motioned for the others to get back to their work. “In my office, Jolly.” Stalking into the clubhouse, he signaled for Einstein, his VP, to join them. “Close the door.” Sitting behind his desk, he waited for them to grab a chair. Einstein sat while Jolly preferred to stand.
“You heard what went on outside?” Zeus asked Einstein.
“Just returned from what you asked me to do. But, yeah. I heard.” He shot a narrowed glare at Jolly. There was no love lost between the two, neither bothering to hide their animosity toward the other.
Resting his thick arms on the desk, Zeus forced away his anger at almost losing what he considered a loyal man. “Tell us about the proof you have against Patch. And sit the fuck down. Your pacing distracts the hell out of me.”
Grunting, Jolly lifted a chair, spinning it around to straddle it. He repeated the phone call he’d overheard, adding a second conversation Patch had with another club member the night before. Both curious, but not enough to kill him.
“What else?” Einstein asked.
Jolly bristled. “What else do you need?”
“What you heard isn’t enough to take it upon yourself to eliminate a loyal club member. That’s twice you’ve jumped to conclusions without bringing me or Einstein into it. Hell, I should rip off your cut, burn your tats, and kick you out the gate.”
If the threat affected Jolly, he didn’t show it. “I did what anyone in my position would’ve done, Zeus. My job is to protect the club from men like Patch.”
Temper exploding, Zeus stood, leaning over his desk. “Your job is to report to me if you believe we’ve got a traitor. I’m the fuckin’ president. Not you!” Walking around the desk, he hovered over Jolly. “You better hope Patch pulls through, because if he doesn’t, I’ll put your membership up for a vote.”
This time, Jolly did respond. Jumping up, he stood toe-to-toe with Zeus. “You aren’t taking my cut and kicking me out.” The action caused Einstein to stand, moving next to his prez.
Unfazed by Jolly’s aggression, Zeus got to within an inch of the man’s face. “If Patch dies, it won’t be your decision.”
The room quieted, the air leaving Jolly’s lungs. “Fuck!” Whirling away, he paced across the room.
“You brought this on yourself.” Zeus returned to his desk. “I’d suggest you get the hell out of here for a few days.”
“I’m supposed to ride with you and the boys to the Liberty Lake clubhouse tomorrow.”
“Shit. Get the hell out of here. I’ll let you know about tomorrow after there’s news on Patch.”
“Fuck, Prez…”
“Don’t push it, Jolly. You made a major mistake. Until we know if Patch is going to live, you’ll be riding alone.”
La Rosaria Restaurant
Five miles south of Liberty Lake
Wrath, Rock, and Ghost sat at the round table with Drago, his VP, Pacho, and sergeant-at-arms, Snake, in the back of the crowded restaurant. This was the fourth time they’d met at the Mexican eatery frequented by blue collar workers and old-timers. Even wearing cuts, no one paid them any attention.
Drago lifted his glass of beer, tipping it toward Wrath. “I was glad to hear from you, my friend. We have much to discuss.” The others at the table lifted their glasses, accepting the greeting.
Wrath reached to the center of the table, picking up a hot corn chip, dipping it into salsa fit only for the strongest mouths and stomachs. It had been Drago’s first challenge. Order the hottest salsa for miles around and see if the gringo could deal with it. He’d thrown back his head and laughed when Wrath didn’t flinch, finishing a bowl by himself.
“First, we will speak of what’s most important.” Drago glanced around, lowering his voice. “I hear we are to get new neighbors.”
Wrath gave a slow nod. “I’ve heard the same. I am not so sure they will be good neighbors.”
“They have a bad reputation. We will need to be careful.” Drago sat back when three servers brought their meals, the wonderful aromas triggering smiles. Lifting his almost empty glass, he ordered another round for the