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My phone buzzed with a text. I pulled it from my pocket and glanced at the screen to see Hot Shot’s name.

You left blood on my garage floor. Again.

I typed back a response.

At least I didn’t stash a body at your place this time.

Hot Shot simply sent an annoyed emoji.

“Any word from Tex or Vlad?” Big G asked.

I shook my head.

“Not a peep. I figure it will take a while before Barber notices Cooley has gone radio silent and makes his move. Time is on our side.”

“Was Hattie okay last night?” he prompted.

I scrubbed a hand over my mouth, hesitating. No, Hattie wasn’t okay. She was scared. And I couldn’t be there, which was eating me alive. Thank God she had her sister so at least she wasn’t alone.

“She’s rattled, but holding strong,” I replied.

“Yeah, well, she had to have an iron will to tolerate your bullshit for all those years. So, I’d say she’ll be fine.”

“What about you?” I countered. “When will you tie the knot?”

Big G snorted.

“Not anytime soon, I can guarantee that. There’s a reason I’ve never married after all these years. I like my freedom.”

“Chicken shit,” I mumbled, glancing at him over the rim of my mug.

Big G raised his eyebrows.

“Someone’s feisty this morning. A sleepless night with a dash of violence and bloodshed perks you right up and puts you in a good mood. That’s disturbing.”

“You’re not getting any younger,” I pointed out, determined to stay on track despite his attempt to derail me.

Big G sighed and braced his hands on the bar.

“This life is rough, Prez. I don’t have to tell you that."

I nodded, letting him continue when he was ready. Some brothers flaunted their love lives, like Spike did. Others kept it quiet and private, playing things close to the vest, which was more Big G’s style. I knew he had one or two serious relationships in his early days with the Blackjacks, but they fell through because of the club. Ever since then, he seemed to stick with bunnies, and nothing more than that.

“Can’t say that I’m eager to bring someone into the line of fire with me,” Big G continued.

I made a noise of agreement.

“And I don’t blame you, brother.”

Sometimes, I wish I’d never brought Hattie into this life alongside me. She would have been happier with someone else who could have given her the life she wanted in the first place, without the heartbreak of divorce.

An hour later, Crash returned with breakfast, and the bar was loaded with a spread of food. Like a hungry vulture, Spike emerged from a back room, shirtless except for his cut, but atleast he was wearing pants, so that was better than nothing. Credence moved one of his laptops to the bar, never pausing his search for Barber as he grabbed a breakfast sandwich.

Blackbeard and Gatling shuffled into the clubhouse, stifling yawns after being awake all night. Big G pressed coffee into their hands.

When I heard the door open, I turned, expecting to see Baby Doll. Instead, Hattie stepped in.

No one else noticed for several seconds except me. Spike snatched a sausage off Crash’s plate. Crash jabbed his fork at him.