Triple kings mc book 2.., p.10
Triple Kings MC - Book 2 - Eagle, page 10
Sitting at the head of the table, I look at the brothers. Everyone has turned up for this meeting and a little sadness shows in some of their faces. “Well, brothers, this is going to be the last time we hold church here. We need an idea of where we can hold church while we wait for the new clubhouse to be completed.” I look at Gash when he speaks out.
“What about asking Clyde if we can hold it at the diner? After hours, of course. We can pay him a small rent for the diner space.” Gash looks around for everyone’s reaction.
“Yeah, that’s a good idea,” “I think that would work,” “How much do you think he’d charge?”
Grinning to myself as I hear the comments being thrown around. The brothers are all eager to get this move and into a new clubhouse, move the chapter on. We’ve been stagnating for a while, because of finances mostly. But after doing some illegal shit to earn some large bucks, we’re now on the road to being legit and earning enough for all the brothers to earn a decent living.
“Let’s see a show of hands for holding church at the diner if Clyde will go for it,” I ask, and get a unanimous show of hands. “Okay, I’ll speak to Clyde tomorrow.”
Towers grabs everyone’s attention. “Do you think Clyde would provide a meal service? We can send the prospects to pick it up from the diner. But it would be good to have a decent meal each day, even if we go to the diner some days to eat.”
Again, the brothers were eager and I grin because I know they are fed up with all the shit meals the Jezebels try to serve up. “I’ll ask when I speak to him about using the place for church.”
“Tomorrow, I want everyone at the trailers. I want to hand this shithole over to the purchasers. Did you get the Jezebels sorted with a trailer, Smokey?”
“I got two trailers, both with three beds. That gives each Jezebel a bedroom and I suggest any of the brothers that want to use one of them go to them so we can keep the trailers in good condition to be sold on when the clubhouse is ready.” Smokey looks over at the men for their reaction.
Nodding, grunting and no real objections are thrown out, leaving the discussion as done. “Okay, so anyone wanting to use a Jezebel goes to them.” I enforce that, as I don’t want Smokey to be pissed off later.
“If the trailers are dumps when we’re done, I think they will need to pay for any loss we make when selling them.” Gash suggests, and the muttered agreements have Smokey saying he’ll make sure they know the score.
Hack speaks, which is more than unusual because even in church he has his head in the laptop open on the desk. “I need a trailer of my own. I’ll pay for it if necessary. But I can’t share, not with all the equipment I have to set up. I’ll do as we’ve done for Prez. I’ll rip out the second bedroom and set it up with monitors and my other equipment.”
“No, you won’t pay for the damn trailer, fuckin’ hell Hack. We’ll supply for you the same as everyone else, and if you need anything, you speak to Smokey, and he’ll make sure the finances are available.” I snap, fuckin’ hell. I don’t want any of the brothers thinking they have to spend their own money for somewhere to stay until the clubhouse is ready.
DD looks at me and I know he’s going to need the same, so I blurt out. “We need the same for DD. He’ll need a trailer where he can set up a room for medical, or he’ll need another trailer for that purpose. What do you all think about this?”
“I’m easy with whatever he needs. We have had nothing major since we went legit, thankfully. But who knows what’s around the fuckin’ corner,” Skull adds to the conversation.
“I don’t think I need a specific trailer for medical. If I move the equipment we have already to the trailer I’ll be living in, I’ll set up the second bedroom. I can organize as I need and not cooking in the trailer means I can use the kitchen cabinets for supplies.” DD is already organizing his trailer in his mind and we can all see that. We’d had a conversation previously, so he’s had time to consider what’s best, but either way, I’d be happy to go along with him.
Blue, our secretary, taps the table, gaining everyone’s attention. “I think we should let everyone have what they need to do their jobs. Hack, I can understand, doesn’t want any of us fuckers messing with his equipment, and DD needs enough to do whatever he needs, but once the clubhouse is ready, I suggest we set up the medical room before anything else. Then Hack’s room, which will give us more time to move in as needed. The trailers won’t disappear until we decide to sell them, and can I also suggest the Jezebels keep their trailers and we don’t have them living in the clubhouse anymore?”
“I can go for all that, Blue,” Frenzy speaks out, leaning forward in his seat. “I don’t want to see the new place fucked up before we even get moved in. The Jezebels are not treating the clubhouse as a home, and that’s what it is to us, a home. We’ll be buying new furniture and I, for one, don’t want to see them bitches lounging around and ruining any of it. I’m not sure half the time they are even showering because they stink of sex like a used condom. Well, some of them do.”
Chuckles from some brothers have me grinning, and Skull is shaking his head in disgust. I’m pleased I’ve only used Sylvie of late because I have to agree one or two of them have a nasty taint about them.
“Okay, so let's vote on keeping the Jezebels in trailers from the move onwards.” Grinning as every hand shoots into the air before I can even ask them for a show of hands.
“Is the issue with the trailers sorted out now?” Looking to Smokey for his input.
“Yes, we have thirteen trailers, as I’d taken the initiative of organizing one each for Hack and DD.” Smokey grins.
“What about the prospects?” Jag asks, looking at Smokey.
“We have a three-bed trailer and they will share because three will be on duty while the other three rest, so 12 hours on and 12 hours off. They’ll get used to it and they’ll learn to keep their shit tidy that way, too.” Smokey grins. “It’s better than the shithole rooms they have now, if I’m honest. The only drawback is they’ll be sharing a bed, not at the same time, but they’ll have to share bed space.”
“As long as they have a roof, I’m good. They’ll keep it tidy, I’m sure. We’ve been lucky to get six prospects that will all make brother given time. Troy has been mainly on Melody watch. He’s done a good job of it, too.” Looking at the brothers, they’re all nodding in agreement.
“Swinger and Bun have done a watch too, but I think Clyde feels easy with Troy, so we’ll keep him on that for now.” Everyone’s nodding in agreement, so we need to move this meeting along.
“The next topic I want to speak about is this serial killer. The Sheriff is an asshole, as we know, but the Deputy seems like a good man. I think we need to flush the killer out or move him along.” Looking around the room as they throw questions out. “Hold on, let me explain. If we patrol the streets, we’ll put pressure on this fucker. Riding in pairs, we could take down the bastard if we need to. But if we can fuck him off even if we can’t catch him, it’ll save some woman's life.”
“Buffalo and Frenzy could organize and rotate brothers, as they are the roaming brothers amongst us. Car sales and wrecking yard can manage with two during the day short term, which gives two brothers freedom to patrol. Skull, Bowie, Phantom, Bullet, Blue, and I can pair up as well. That gives five pairs of brothers. If we cover the streets during the dark hours, we can put pressure on him, if nothing else.” I look at Buffalo and Frenzy for their input.
Buffalo is the first to speak. “Okay Prez, I think it’s good to do something other than nothing. If we inform the people we know on the streets that we’ll be doing this, it will help our reputation too. We’ll be seen as proactive for the safety of our community.”
Murmurs of agreement have me tapping the gavel. “Okay, Buffalo, you liaise with Frenzy, organize it, sort it, let me know when I’m on the street and I’ll make sure I’m available.”
Frenzy nods. “We’ll do a good job of it, Prez.”
“I know you will. We need to take this fucker out or move him on but taking him out would be better.” Brothers agree and I have to tap the gavel to get their attention back once more. “Phantom, report on the hostel situation.”
“The man who’s been coming around the hostel was last seen on Milrose, but not since. I think the threat of the MC on his ass scared the shit outta him. Charmaine hasn’t seen or heard anything since then, and she’s happy that he’s moved on. I’m not sure, but I told her to keep me informed. He is the ex-husband of one woman that was taking refuge. She’s since moved on and is now in another state, has a new phone, bank account, home, etcetera, so it would be harder to find her if he tried, but she didn’t want to change her identity so it’s possible. It’s up to her Prez. If she wants to take that risk, then nothing we can do about it.” Phantom isn’t looking very happy about it, but as he said, nothing can be done.
“Okay, if anything else happens, let us know.” Looking at Skull to see if he had any comments, he shakes his head negatively. “Last thing for today, brothers. What’s happened at the wrecking yard? Any sign of who’s been sleeping in that wreck?”
Towers shakes his head, but Jawbone speaks. “We have kept a close eye on the back of the yard, but we’ve seen nothing. We’ve even been walking around during the night, but I think whoever it was may have moved on.”
Looking at Phantom with a raised eyebrow questioningly, he shrugs. “If they’ve seen nothing then let’s just mention it to the Deputy, so we cover our asses. Then if anything develops, it’s in the system we’d brought it to their attention. I’ll speak to the Deputy Prez, when I go into town tomorrow.”
“Is everyone okay with that?” I ask the brothers, and after seeing everyone agree, I tap the gavel.
“It’s getting late, brothers, so grab what’s left of your gear, and let’s move into the trailers. Blue, if you and Smokey organize to hand over the keys to this shithole, we’ll not have to come back. Just make sure everything we need from the property we have before you do that.” When they both nod, I’m happy to close out church for the last time in this room. Slamming the gavel on the table, I look at the brothers and they all have the same look I must have, which is sadness we’ll never be in this church again. But happy to be moving out of the clubhouse at long last.
Three hours pass quickly, and the brothers are here at the new compound, settling into their respective trailers. Standing at the end of my trailer, I can see the old building is just a pile of rubble, waiting for the construction to haul it all away. I can’t wait to see the new clubhouse being built and getting moved into. It’s the start of a new era for the chapter.
Shouting to Dray, who is walking towards the prospect trailer, he turns and jogs over to me. “What’s up, Prez?”
“Go get orders from everyone for takeout. I’ll have my usual sweet and sour, and I’ll pay the bill. Get it ordered, and either delivered or collected. Make sure you cover the prospects and get something over to Troy, who’s nearly ready to start his shift over at the diner. Whoever’s covering now, make sure they have something to come back to.” I hand him my card and he gives me a nod before jogging over to Jag and Buffalo’s trailer to collect his orders.
Climbing into my trailer, I close the door before walking into the bedroom and stripping off my dirty clothing. I quickly shower and throw on sweats and a t-shirt. Settling in the lounge area of the trailer and switching on the TV which is wall mounted. My stomach gives a loud growl, and I’m hoping Dray won’t be much longer.
Just as I’m getting annoyed at the delay, knocking on the door gets my attention. Shooting to my feet, I call ‘come in’, and Dray steps inside. “Sorry it took so long Prez, there were a shit ton of orders, and it took them forever to cook it all.”
“Thanks, Dray. Make sure you eat too.” I take the card he’s holding out for me, and I grin when he passes me a receipt for the order. I give him a nod and he quickly leaves the trailer.
CHAPTER THIRTEEN
*MELODY*
Saturday morning and it feels like it’s been one heck of a week. With someone trying to break into the diner, it’s left me a little jittery in the evenings, but with Troy on patrol outside, I at least know someone is keeping watch.
Entering the kitchen, I smile at Clyde. “Morning Clyde. I’m ready for a day off tomorrow. How about you this morning?”
“I’m good,” turning to me, Clyde wipes his hands on the towel he keeps hanging from his apron. “I’ve been thinking about what you said. You know, getting another helper to cook.”
“Oh, I’m so glad. You work too hard, Clyde. Even if you did Monday to Friday and gave someone else the Saturday, it’d give you two days to chill a bit.”
“Well, I thought if I did Monday thru’ Friday I could get someone to do Saturday and Sunday until 2:00 pm, which would cover a Sunday lunch. What do you think?”
Leaning against the sink, I fold my arms and think for a minute before responding. “Well, I reckon you’d get a good response for the Sunday lunches, but we’d need to get another couple of waitresses because I can’t do every day. I’m tired as it is.”
“I agree. If we make sure Prim is up on all aspects, she could help train up a couple of new women, then we could rotate you and Prim’s weekends, so you have one weekend on and one weekend off. But I want to make you the diner manager, so you have the clout to tell them all what to do and they have to listen.” Clyde is giving me a serious look and I feel my vision blurring at his kindness and him acknowledging my hard work means a lot to me.
“Yes, that’s a good idea. I’m sure if I speak to Prim, we can work something out. We’ve just to find a weekend cook and two women or men to help serve.” My mind is racing as this is exciting, with the most excitement coming from knowing Clyde will get more rest. He feels like a father to me, something I’ve never had. He cares about me and that’s what I love about him.
Turning back to the stove and grill, Clyde gives me a grin. “I’ll leave it with you then as the new diner manager.” Chuckling at his reply. I’m standing with my mouth open in shock, then snap it shut when I realize I look ridiculous.
Stepping into the diner, I prep for the start of the day. Looking up and smiling when Prim walks in from the kitchen. “Mornin’ Melody.”
“Morning Prim. Today we need to do a notice for the window. We’re looking for two new waitresses to work rotated days through the week.”
Prim looks over and lifts an eyebrow. “What do you mean?”
“Clyde wants a cook for Saturdays and Sundays until mid-afternoon and two new waitresses. But we, meaning you and me particularly, will work one weekend on and one weekend off. I hope that will be okay with you?”
“Hey, you know I live on my own and I was bored, and that’s why I wanted the job, so I’m okay with that. Taking on new women, they’ll agree to the hours and days they work, or they don’t get the job. It’s as simple as that.” Prim places her hands on her hips in thought.
“Let’s get the door open ‘cause Mr. Roberts will be here any minute.” Grinning as I’ve no sooner got the words out of my mouth before tapping on the door has me looking over to see Mr. Roberts wanting to come inside.
The morning is busy, and the popularity of the diner has grown tremendously over the two years I’ve worked here. Looking around, I feel proud to be a part of this. Even if some see it as a dead-end job, it’s a job and a home to me.
After the lunch rush, I grab drinks and head to the table nearest the counter and register. Taking a seat and look at Prim, who’s showing a healthy flush with all the rushing around she’s been doing.
“I’m going to give my friend Lucianna a call ‘cause I think she’d like to work here. She’s the type of person who likes to keep busy and she just kicked her husband out after 17 years of marriage, fed up with his lazy ass. If we can get her to work with us, we can rely on her.” Prim takes her phone out of the back pocket of her pants and calls her friend. I look up when Clyde places a plate in front of the both of us. A sandwich and fries. Oh, that’ll be nice as my stomach is well ready for something to eat.
“Thanks, Clyde. Are you coming to sit with us? I’ll grab you a coffee if you are?”
“No, I’ve been nibbling all damn morning. No wonder I’m getting fuckin’ fat. I’ll have to get a damn membership at the local gym at this rate.” A giggle busts out of my mouth, and I look through my eyelashes at Clyde, who grins back at me. “It’s alright you laughin’. If I have to go, I’ll drag you two along with me. I’m not fuckin’ going on my own.” Turning, he hums some tune under his breath, and I turn to see Prim’s eyes sparkling with laughter.
“So, is your friend interested?”
“Yes, and she’ll be here in an hour for you to meet her. Clyde let me know you got a promotion. Well done girl! Manager, I’m proud of you.” Prim has a warm look on her face, which tells me she isn’t being sarcastic. The time I lived with Hazel has left me suspicious of people’s intentions and I don’t like being like that, but it’s self-preservation.
Both Prim and I look up when Deputy Anson walks into the diner. Smiling at us, he steps to the counter. “A coffee if you’ve got a minute, please?”
Prim jumps to her feet and quickly fills a cup with coffee, handing it over to the Deputy. We know he’s the nephew of Mr. Roberts and we’ve all found him to be a pleasant and trustworthy Deputy so far. Unlike the horrid Sheriff Ashcroft, who seems to dislike me for some odd reason.
Taking a seat at the table next to ours, Anson looks over at me. “Anything else happen, Melody?”
“No, I’ve driven to see Gamma, but that’s the only place I’ve been all week. I’m sticking to the diner and my apartment until you can find the killer.” I respond and notice Prim nodding in agreement.
“Yeah, I’ve been staying at home, except for here and calling for a few groceries. I've been carrying my taser and mace with me too.” Prim states, giving a grin. “I will use them if the fucker comes anywhere near me.”
