Page 33 of Coal (QUEENS WRAITHS MC #2)
COAL
I’m staring at the tapestry of our history, waiting for my brothers to arrive for church. I’m still trying to get used to Nickel as my interim VP. Not that he isn’t good at the position, but because we don’t have a rhythm yet like Copper and I had. That’s no fault of his own.
It's been weeks since Copper left to start his undercover work. Until recently, we’d been joined at the hip since he was born and had done everything together.
It isn’t only me that’s having a hard time; my parents and other siblings are struggling too.
It’s like we have a void in our lives that we aren’t sure how to fill.
The uncertainty of how long this will take is another worry.
It could all be over in a few months, but it could also take years.
I speak to him weekly, and he seems happy enough. His partner and he get on. She started work for the organization and he has a job as a mechanic around the corner from where she’s working. For now, it’s a waiting game.
As an MC, we still have work to do. I called Church this morning because we have to go over a few of our legitimate businesses. The door opens, breaking my contemplation of our history as Tinman walks in with Nickel and the rest of the brothers following in behind him.
Once everyone’s settled, I pick up the gavel, calling the meeting to order so we can start.
“Church is now in session.” Immediately, there’s silence.
“Before we get started, I’d like to thank Nickel for stepping up the way he has.
I know it hasn’t been easy, and I appreciate you being patient with me.
” I turn to him as I say the last bit. He nods.
It’s what I expect. Nickel never speaks much except with Shea. He’s perfectly verbose with her.
Turning back to the brothers, I continue, “Thea isn’t joining us today and sends her apologies.
Her tables were delivered, and now that the doors are installed, she wanted to get her workshop set up and up and running.
Her brother called, and he has a few orders that still need fulfilling.
I warned him that after they were done, she’d no longer be doing work for him.
It’s too dangerous for her. He agreed, and he’d already made it clear to his buyers that this would be the last time.
He’s found them alternative suppliers. Once these are done, Thea is retired, except for what we need. She’s agreed.”
And she has agreed. Neither of us wants the danger of trading guns for money.
We need to stay as anonymous as possible due to the nature of the work we’ll be doing.
Plus, both of us suspect she’s pregnant, and I’d rather she not be stressed during her pregnancy worrying about us moving guns, getting caught, and spending years in prison.
“Good,” Cross states. “I was worried about what was going to happen with that going forward. At least her brother gives a shit about his sisters.”
“He does,” I agree before continuing, “Next order of business is the paintball. Iron, Brass, and Blue. What’s happening with that?”
The paperwork had come through a week ago, not only with the land being in our names but also the planning permission to go ahead for a building that would house the paintball guns, a reception, and a small glassed-in lounge area for people to watch from .
“It’s going okay. We’ve spoken to the construction company that renovated the clubhouse, and we’ve paid our deposit; they break ground next week.
We should be running in the summer. Opal has set up social media for us, and we’ve advertised.
The first week of July will be a soft opening for a few select invitees to help iron out any kinks before our official opening the following week during the school holidays.
We already have several parties booked. We’ll have to have our DBS checks done as we’ll be working with children.
As for staff, we’ll need to hire a cleaning crew, but we’ll manage the front desk ourselves for now until we can’t anymore. ”
“Fair enough,” I agree before turning to Nickel. “How are our finances looking?”
“Good,” he acknowledges. “The Roadhouse is turning a profit already. Apparently, it being owned by actual bikers makes it popular. We are going to have to hire another bartender. Blue can’t do it all when it gets busy.
Having the food catered as a buffet was a smart move.
And that they pay for a food ticket at the door before they come in was an even better idea.
I also think opening Friday and Saturday only makes more sense, as those are our busiest days and it keeps people wanting more.
Live music on the Friday is a big draw, and I’m thinking we continue that through the winter months, but we can vote on that a little later.
” He stops to read through the figures on his laptop before continuing, “Mom’s cidery is showing a steady profit and the warehouses are still the same, no change there.
Our investments are growing. Beau Temple from Crow Investments will come for a meet with everyone next week to go through our individual investments. All in all, we’re doing okay.”
When he’s done with his report, I turn to the brothers. “I want to bring something up. It’s not likely to make us any money, and it’s more for our peace of mind. I’d like to build a nursery and a small school.” Surprise lights the brothers’ faces.
“Something you want to tell us, Pres?” Cross asks.
“Not yet,” I shake my head. “When Thea and I drove past the Crow’s property when we last visited Hawk, I noticed the nursery they’ve built on their property. I’ve since found out why they had that built.”
I filled them in on Kaleb, Hawk and Avy’s son, and how he was kidnapped and then rescued by Cahir and his brothers. The pissed-off vibes I was getting from my brothers as I told them the story had me thinking they’d not be against building our own, but we’d put it to the vote.
“I’d rather that not happen to one of our children. Shea may be the first Queens Wraith child, but I’m sure she won’t be the last. We don’t have to decide today, but I’d like you to think about it, and we’ll put it to vote at our next meeting,” I finish.
“I’m not waiting for the next meeting,” Bolt states. “I say we vote now. My vote is yes. Let’s get this sorted sooner rather than later.”
My brothers are all nodding, so I put it to the vote, “All those in favour of building our own nursery?” The vote is unanimous once Tinman registers it.
I continue, “Sterling, can you see about getting planning permission? There’s space to the back of the property; I’ll take you to it this afternoon.
It’s not so far that it will be difficult to run amenities to it. ”
“Will do, Pres,” he agrees.
Turning back to the room, I tell them, “I’ve spoken to Copper; things are progressing as they should.
It’s slow going because she has to be careful, but Cahir is happy with the progress.
All brothers are to report to Iron and Brass every morning at six a.m. We need to up our training, so we are ready. That’s an order.”
All my brothers nod in agreement, not that I expected any different from them.
“What about Copper?” Cross asks in concern. “If anyone needs to keep up training, it’s him.”
“Oh, don’t worry,” I reply in amusement. “He’s getting training. The woman he’s partnered with is whipping his ass into shape. He’ll be okay.”
My brothers laugh, but I know they are worried about him being on his own much like I am.
“Is there any other business we need to discuss?” I want to know.
When all replies are negative, I dismiss Church. One by one, my brothers leave church until I’m once again left contemplating our family tapestry.
‘Sitting here worrying will not get me anywhere,’ I think, getting up from my chair.
I’d rather be with my brothers and family than worrying in here alone, anyway.
Pushing my chair in, I walk out, closing and securing the door behind me, and join my brothers for a drink and to shoot some shit. Sometimes that’s all you need .
Time with your brothers as a reminder of all the reasons we do what we do—and choose to live life the way we want.
The next few months, maybe even years, are going to be interesting, to say the least. What happens in life is never guaranteed, and even the best-laid plans can go wrong.
I was glad I was doing it with men I trusted—and with a good woman standing beside me.