“We could use the tunnel to go to him,” Reboot pronounces, then swings around at the snort from beside him. “What?”
“You’d crawl through a tunnel? Not me, man.” Keeper shudders.
“I have enough problems riding in a cage.” Deuce also looks dubious.
I have to admit, the claustrophobic idea doesn’t appeal to me either. I eye the table, realising we’ve got off topic a tad, and unproductive discussions are just going to go around and around if I don’t bring a halt to it. “Right, let’s cut to the chase. Token will keep doing what he does, digging into the data and the background of this Mexican eatery.” An idea comes to me. “Hey, Pennywise. How about you eating out tonight? Then you’ll be close by if Smoker hits any problems.”
Our expert sniper shakes his head. “Can’t stomach Mexican food, Prez. It gives me the runs.”
“I’ll go,” Niran suggests. “I love a good fajita.”
“Want me as well?” Reboot offers. “I could do with a decent meal.”
Niran and Reboot bump fists together.
“Okay.” Niran’s solid and Reboot’s been patched in nearly three years now. I feel happier that I know Smoker will have someone at his back should things go south.
“Want us to hang around tomorrow in case you want to call church?”
“No can do, Brother.” Blaze addresses Brakes. “I’ve got a large piece to work on tomorrow, too late to reschedule now.”
Blaze manages our tattoo parlour, and as it’s Monday tomorrow, most will need to be at work.
“If there’s a need, we’ll meet in the evening. I’ll catch up with Niran, Reboot, Smoker and Token first thing and we’ll take it from there. Any more questions or other business we need to discuss now?”
“Yeah, anyone got any clothes that could pass for homeless shit?” Smoker ignores Salem’s comment of just what he’s wearing would work.
Keeper makes a suggestion. “They don’t need to be dirty, but ill-fitting would do, as if you’d raided a charity store. What about something of Bones?”
Bones is about the same height as Smoker, but broader. Smoker nods, acknowledging that would do.
“I got a sweatshirt that’s full of holes,” Salem offers.
“As long as it doesn’t stink of your armpits,” Smoker retorts.
Salem makes a show of sniffing said body area, while we all groan.
I bang the gavel. “Church dismissed.” Then, I stay seated while the brothers file out. All except one, that is.
“So,” Dart turns his head in my direction. “How are things between you and Patsy?”
Dart’s my VP and my friend. I lean back on my chair, locking my hands behind my head. “I was married before,” I begin, slowly. “Kim and I were a mistake from the start. Oh, I was head over heels in love with her, blinded to all her faults. I ignored everything that was wrong between us, so intent on making our relationship work. Never saw I was attempting the impossible until it was over.” I don’t really need to explain, I’d discussed my ex at length with him one night when I’d had too much to drink.
Dart raises his chin in encouragement.
“Never saw myself risking another relationship, once burned, forever shy of commitment. But Patsy? There was an instant attraction there, even more so than with Kim. Last night proved we’re more than compatible. I don’t know her thoughts, Dart, but I know mine. I want her, and already can’t see myself saying goodbye to her. She’s the one I’ve been waiting for. Crazy, huh?”
“Nah, not crazy.” Dart places his elbows on the table. “I knew with Alex the first time I saw her dancing but kidded myself I didn’t want her. Held out until, well, you know what happened, you were there, Lost. I stopped myself because it was ridiculous. She was nothing I’d ever looked at before. I knew she’d want a man who offered commitment, and I was so damn scared of tying myself down, I nearly lost her before I got my head out of my ass.”
He’s right. I’d been there and watched the car-crash beginnings to their relationship.
“If Patsy wasn’t intent on running, maybe I’d take this slower. But the thought of losing her, of never knowing where she is or what she’s doing has focused my attention. I want her, Dart. Want her to be my ol’ lady.”
“So Salem had it right? You’re claiming her?”
“Two-way street, ain’t it, Brother? Don’t know her views on that as of yet.” I told her she was mine, but doubt she realised I meant it, putting it down to being in the throes of passion at the time. “She might need more time to get her head around it.”
He’s thoughtful for a moment. “From what I’ve seen of her, she’d make a good first lady.”
