Total pages in book: 76
Estimated words: 72617 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 363(@200wpm)___ 290(@250wpm)___ 242(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 72617 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 363(@200wpm)___ 290(@250wpm)___ 242(@300wpm)
Once we’d released his grandson Ben, Bruton messaged Bones and requested a meet with him and Cotton. Again, we wanted to tell him to fuck off, but it was time to find out what the guy wanted and put an end to the nonsense once and for all.
Cotton could see that the guys were getting riled up, so he held up his hand, signaling everyone to pipe down. Once the room fell silent, he told us, “I get why you’re all mad. Hell, I’m not exactly happy here, but the guy had a compelling proposal. I think it’s something that’s worth discussing.”
A low rumble of disapproval filled the room, causing Cotton to shake his head. “I get it. We’ve had a rough couple of weeks because of this guy, but like Bones said... up until the drones, he hasn’t done anything to us that we didn’t do to him.”
“We wouldn’t have even known who the guy was if he hadn’t had his boys get after Q and Rooster.”
“He brought that up in the meet.” Cotton looked over to Q as he said, “Bruton said it wasn’t supposed to play out like that, and the men behind it had been dealt with.”
“And you believe him?”
“I have no reason not to.” Cotton shrugged. “The way I see it, hurting them wasn’t to his advantage. It only made it harder for him to pull all this off.”
“So, what exactly does he want from us?”
“He wants us to be his supplier. We get him the goods, and he delivers them.”
“And what about Bones?” Stitch growled. “There’s no way in hell I’m gonna let him have my son.”
“He wants him to be available. Bones won’t even have to leave the clubhouse to do what he wants him to do.” Cotton kept his tone steady as he continued, “Let me be clear. If we do this thing, it would be on our terms and our terms alone. We’re not taking directives from him or anyone else.”
“What would our terms be?”
“I’m not exactly sure. That’s something we would have to discuss.”
“We have time to figure out the terms,” Bones interjected. “He’s given us thirty days to make our decision.”
“Yes, and I think we need to take every minute of it.” Cotton’s tone was firm and fatherly as he said, “Look, I get you are concerned about this. I am, too. But we’re gonna talk this whole thing through, and we won’t make a final decision until we come up with something everyone can agree on.”
Cotton let his words sink in before adding, “But for now, we need to take a moment and catch our breaths.”
“And the lockdown?” Savage asked.
“I’m lifting it.” Cotton’s tone was stern as he said, “I still want you to remain on high alert. Don’t take any unnecessary risks but go home. Get some rest, and we will pick up here later in the week.”
Without saying anything more, Cotton dismissed church, and we all dispersed. Some went to the bar for a beer, while others went straight to their rooms to start gathering their things. I didn’t have anything in my room that I couldn’t live without, so I skipped going by my room and headed straight to the parking lot.
We’d been in close quarters for days, and after another long one, I was eager to get the hell out of there. Rooster and a couple of the other brothers were standing around talking, but I didn’t stop to speak. Instead, I gave them a quick nod, then got on my bike and started the engine. As soon as I had my helmet on, I eased out of the gate and started home.
It was the perfect night for a ride. The sun had already set, casting a beautiful orange and pink glow over the horizon. I was completely surrounded by trees as high as the eye could see, and all I could hear was the sound of my engine and the loud rush of wind as it whipped past me. It was just what I needed to put this long day behind me.
The road ahead was full of twists and turns—just the way I liked it. As I made my way around the first bend, I could already feel the tension in my shoulders starting to subside. It was the moment I’d been waiting for. After days of stress and hard work, I was finally able to let go and breathe.
I eased back on the throttle and coasted around the next big curve. I was in no hurry. I needed a moment to clear my head, so I took my time as I continued down the deserted road. Moments later, I pulled up my driveway and parked next to the front steps.
I owned an old farmhouse on the outskirts of town. I’d been working on it for years, and while there was still lots to be done, I really liked the place. It was set back from the road and surrounded by lush green fields and thick woods. It had three bedrooms, a wrap-around front porch, and a large barn in the backyard.