Page 84 of His Flawed Ride

Iwonder if most of the crap hung on the office walls have been here since my grandfather made it his office, the desk certainly has been.

“How’s Harper doing?” I ask JJ as he sits across from me.

“She’s too quiet. Keeps telling me she’s fine and not to worry but sure as shit, that’s all I fuckin’ do.”

“Can I still rely on you to deal with the Hog assholes?”

“Like you need to fuckin’ ask.”

“The club has always acted on the defense,” I murmur more to myself.

“Only cause previous presidents choices to lead that way. You’ve always said you’d act in your own way. You’ve already brought the club farther than your dad what with the deal with the Haywards. If you want to go in a certain direction, make the call.”

“My gut is telling me the defense is no longer viable for the club. We can’t afford to appear weak with Hopper. It’s not howI want to be known. I don’t wanna lose another brother cause we’re fighting to get the upper hand.”

JJ leans forward in his chair, reaching for his smokes on the desk.

“Tell us what we need to do then.”

A plan comes to mind but before I can answer, someone knocks at the door.

“Yeah?”

Shane pops his head in. “Just letting you know I passed six Hog fuckers hanging around near the hospital.”

JJ looks from Shane to me. “Now why would they still be close by?”

I feel like rolling my eyes at his sarcasm.

“I’m gonna put it to the brothers that we ride and attack. Do I have your votes?”

They both nod. Looking to Shane, I order, “Spread the word I want everyone in the back room, and then I want you both riding out and locating where they are now.”

Shane leaves and I stand. “Once we know where they are, I don’t give a shit if there are witnesses, we need a show of force. Hopper thinks he knows who I am, I want to prove him wrong.”

“Got it.”

JJ splits for the bar door and I head into the back room. I take my seat and watch as brothers begin to walk in.

I have a pretty good idea who will be up for my plan and who won’t. But hopefully it’s my lucky day and no one is against. Once everyone is seated, I slam the gavel down and all eyes are on me.

“Shane saw Hog motherfuckers on his way back from the hospital. I’ve sent him and JJ to locate them. I’ve called you in to cast your vote.”

“What for, Leo?” Dad inquires.

“Once found, no matter if it’s in public, my plan is to attack…”

“You have my vote,” Slade cuts in, quickly chased by Zach’s, “Aye.”

I nod and tell them all, “I already have JJ and Shane’s votes. They’re in favor.”

Not one nay hits the room until I get to Dad. Drumming his fingers on the table, I give him a few seconds to speak before I urge him to. I don’t have all the time in the world and the fucker knows it.

“What’s ya problem with it?”

“Attacking in public goes against what we do, unless it’s in a life-or-death situation. Purposefully choosing to go after them in broad daylight seems reckless.”

“That’s what I’m hoping,” I counter. “Tell me what’s really on ya mind.”