He exhales and says, “I personally think your judgement is clouded. Attacking in public is not only reckless but it could bring attention none of us want, attention that not even the sheriff can ignore.”
It’s what I expected but not coming from my father. I sigh.
“We don’t live in times where we can fight in the dark or out of sight anymore. If we continue to try, our enemies will pick us off one by one. We need to attack.”
“I hear what ya saying, son, but…”
“But nothing. Cast your vote, it’s either a yes or no.”
Dad narrows his eyes and his jaw tenses. “Yeah?” is all he says.
“You passed down the gavel, trusting I’d make the right calls. This is the right call. I know what I’m doing.”
His silence drags. He eventually nods and murmurs, “Aye.”
“Be ready to ride in ten.” I slam the gavel down and stand.
Brothers push out of their chairs and the back room empties.
“What the fuck was that?” I ask, holding dad back by his arm.
“I don’t think you’re making the right choice.”
“Then why vote in favor?”
“You remember when you were little, me and your mom raised you letting you make your own mistakes so you could learn the real world. Unless it could put you in danger, we didn’t intervene.”
“What’s your point?”
“I voted for it and fuck me, I hope you’re right, but if you’re not, this is me letting you make your own mistakes, because one day, choices like the ones you’re making, they’re gonna blow up in your face and it’s only yourself you have to live with.”
“You really think it’s that bad of a plan? You couldn’t wait till after the meeting to talk to me.”
“Son, this club is my life. It kept me alive and gave me your mother, and in turn, you and Luca, and Harper. I now have grandkids. Fuckin’ grandkids, Leo. Never thought I’d live long enough to see that day. I passed the gavel down to you, I didn’t give ya my tongue. When I think you’re moving wrong, I’m gonna voice it.”
He walks off and it leaves a bitter taste in my mouth. This is the right direction the club needs to go in. I head for my office, making sure the volume on my phone is on loud. Tossing it on the desk, I make sure my guns are ready to go as soon as the call comes in.
My phone rings and since it won’t be JJ yet, I glance over to see who it is.
Luca.
Hitting answer, I put it on speaker.
“Hey.”
“I’m calling to let you know that I’m going to war with a chapter of the Hades Hogs Motorcycle Club.”
I snort. “Thanks for asking permission, brother.”
“That was me asking.”
“Really, cause it sounded like you were just letting me know your plans. But as it stands, we’re on the same page.” I fill him in on my plan and for once, we’re together.
“It’s about time, but I’m not surprised Dad wasn’t happy about it.”
“I was half expecting it if I’m honest, but it doesn’t matter now. He voted in favor so there’s no going back.”
“Do you need me to come help or do you reckon you’ll be okay?”
