Total pages in book: 86
Estimated words: 83244 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 416(@200wpm)___ 333(@250wpm)___ 277(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 83244 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 416(@200wpm)___ 333(@250wpm)___ 277(@300wpm)
The ride to the clubhouse felt off. Maybe it was because my head was already a mess from seeing Brooke, or maybe it was the look on Grim’s face when he read that message. Either way, the closer we got, the more anxious I became.
When we pulled through the gate, I knew something was bad wrong. Every bike was there, which meant every brother had been called in. That only happened when trouble was on the horizon, or it had already come knocking. Shit. This was the last thing I needed right now.
I killed the engine and eased off my bike. I pulled off my helmet and followed Grim and Skid inside. Nobody said a word as we headed into the bar. Everyone was gathered around, and I could almost feel the tension crackling around us.
Preacher stood near the end of the bar, and the second he saw us, he stepped to the center of the room. Everyone went silent as we waited to hear whatever news he was about to drop on us. Every eye was locked on him as he announced, “Gus was attacked tonight.”
A string of low curses echoed through the bar.
Gus was the president of the Memphis chapter. I’d only been around him a handful of times, but I’d heard the stories. He was one of the originals and was sent to Memphis to start a new chapter. He did, and he did it well. Their chapter had grown into one of the fiercest groups of men in the South, and everyone knew it was entirely due to Gus and the way he led his men.
He was a good man who was respected and slightly feared by all, including me. Goose was the first to step up and ask, “What the hell happened?”
“He and his ol’ lady had gone out to eat somewhere in the city, and they’d barely made it to the parking lot before three assholes jumped him. They did a real number on him.”
The room went silent, but only long enough for Grim to collect himself and ask, “Any idea who it was?”
“Not yet. They’re looking into it.”
“What about his ol’ lady?”
“Didn’t lay a hand on her.”
“Well, at least, there’s that.”
The silence that followed felt different, heavier and full of contempt. We knew this wasn’t some random robbery. It wasn’t some drunk assholes looking for trouble. This was targeted.
“How is he?” Memphis asked with concern.
“Broke his jaw and a couple of ribs.” Prez winced when he added, “Looks like they were wearing brass knuckles.”
“Motherfucker,” Grim grumbled.
“Pretty sure he’s got a concussion, but won’t know for sure until they get the results back from the CT.”
“They wanted him hurt… not dead.” Grim glared at Prez. “Smells dirty to me.”
Nobody disagreed. We were all thinking the same.
Walker comes to us with a threat. We deal with it, and all goes quiet. Weeks later, there’s a fire. Then, a wreck. And now, a hands-on attack. All three with the presidents of Fury. The pieces were starting to fit together, and none of us liked what we saw.
Skid turned to his father as he said, “What about the others? Were they really just accidents, or was it something more?”
“That’s the question of the hour.”
“It has to be something more. No way this is all just a fucking coincidence.”
Memphis shook his head. “But we were told the fire at the barn was because of the straw overheating.”
“You sure it wasn’t tampered with?”
“Fire marshal seemed pretty damn sure.”
Prez let out a sigh, letting us know he had his doubts, and the room went quiet again. Every brother felt it. They could feel it down to their bones. There was a good chance that somebody was making a move against Fury. It was impossible not to think that it might be the Coyotes, especially after the way we took out the entire Little Rock chapter and all their scouts.
“Doesn’t matter what the marshal thought,” Creed replied. “The timing’s too damn convenient.”
“He’s right.” Grim was done holding back. “We got you almost burned up in a barn fire, Maverick and his faulty wiring, and now, this with Gus. That’s a red fucking flag if I ever saw one.”
There was no denying it. Things were piling up, and they were becoming harder to blow off as a mere coincidence. Ghost looked to Grim as he asked, “Any way the Coyotes could be behind this?”
“It’s possible.”
“They might think that they could distract us by going after the presidents.” Preacher suggested. “But not sure they’ve got the means to pull off this kind of hit. Regardless, someone is making moves, and we need to be ready for whatever comes next.”
Prez’s response settled over the room like a dark cloud. If someone wanted Fury weakened, taking out our leadership was a damn good place to start. Grim turned to Prez as he said, “I’m gonna need you to stay here until this thing plays out.”