Maybe the table was more like a guideline, a way for the underworld to stay informed without getting involved. Which was fucking bullshit and the pussy way out.
Stopping dead in my tracks, I said, “I quit. The seat is yours.”
Reaper stumbled and turned to look at me. “What the fuck are you talking about?”
“I don’t want the seat. Take it.”
Frustrated, the asshole shouted, “Well, I don’t want the fucking thing!”
“One of us has to take it.”
“Then get comfortable and sit your ass down,” Reaper snarked before continuing on to wherever the hell he was taking me.
“I mean it, Reaper. I’m out. No one listens to anyone. Everyone does what the fuck they want, and no matter what’s going on, everyone’s got an opinion. I can’t deal with the table and take care of what needs to be done. It’s impossible.”
“Then why the fuck would I want the job?”
“Maybe they will listen to you.”
Reaper stopped dead in his tracks and looked at me. “Have you even fucking met me? I am the last person you want at the table.”
I looked around the area and sighed. “I’m too old for this shit, Max. I don’t want to do it anymore.”
“Well, too fucking bad!” Reaper crossed his arms and faced me, his anger palpable. “You’ll manage, or we’ll all face the consequences together. We’re in this mess, and there’s no bailing out now.”
I shook my head, a sense of dread washing over me. “Maybe it’s time to find someone else.”
“Who? Who would be stupid enough to take the seat? You said it yourself; the table is all politics. Hate to break it to ya, but the biker world is a far fucking cry from politics. We don’t believe in politics. We have our own laws. Our own brand of justice. We don’t give a fuck what everyone else thinks.”
“That’s what I’m saying. We can’t do what needs to be done because the table will interfere.”
“What the hell are you babbling about now? Do what?”
“Think about it, Max.” I steeled my face as I spoke the truth. “The table oversees the underworld. They know all the players. Which means they had to have known about Jane and theSocietyand all the shit that bitch was doing, and instead of stopping her, they did nothing. The table is just for show, a figment of law and order when, in reality, there is no law and order.”
“Because everyone does what the fuck they want.”
“Exactly.” I nodded. “Max, the table consists of elected heads of every criminal organization. Each has their own agenda, and their primary job is to ensure that nothing interferes with their organization.”
“You think someone sitting at the table is helping that cunt?”
“I do, and the only way to stop her is to get rid of the table. You told me to keep my circle tight. Only those I trust. Well, I don’t trust the table.”
Reaper grinned, and I narrowed my eyes.
“What?”
“Was wondering when you would figure it out.”
I growled. “You son of a bitch! You fucking knew and didn’t tell me!”
“Where’s the fun in that? Can’t just give you all the answers. You’d learn nothing.”
“I’m gonna kill you.”
“You can’t. You need me and you know it. Face it, fucknuts. You like me too much, and I keep you on your toes. You’d get bored without me. Now, let’s go have some fucking fun.” Reaper laughed as he opened a door I didn’t see before.
Entering the small building, I followed the asshole down a dark hall that led to a solitary room.
