Page 16 of Savage Angels
Standing in the garage of the Savage Angels’ clubhouse in Chicago, I can’t help but feel the weight of responsibility. My brothers are gearing up for battle, and my job is to lead them through whatever hell awaits us. The intensity in the air is palpable, each man focusing solely on the task at hand.
“Hey, Dane,” calls out Tank, the Chicago chapter’s weapons expert, as he carefully lays out an impressive array of firepower on a long table. “What do you think of this beauty?” He holds up a matte black AR-15, admiring it as though it is a priceless artifact.
Tank is a big bastard with arms like tree trunks and a beard that would make a Viking jealous. When it comes to guns, there isn’t much he doesn’t know.
“Looks damn good,” I reply, my voice steady despite the knot of anxiety twisting in my gut.
I pick up the weapon and inspect it, feeling the cold metal against my skin. It is a fine piece of machinery, but I know it is not worth shit if we don’t keep our heads in the game.
“Everyone, grab what you need and get ready,” I bark, scanning the room as my brothers eagerly snatch up their preferred weapons.
Shotguns, pistols, knives, and even a couple of baseball bats—anything that can inflict pain and damage is fair game. We have been preparing for this showdown for weeks, and the Abruzzi family won’t know what hit them. Now, it is time to show them what the Savage Angels are made of.
“Remember…” I say, catching each of their eyes in turn, “… we’re a fucking family here. We watch each other’s backs, and we hit them hard. Together.”
“Damn right, Prez,” growls Onyx. The man has a reputation that precedes him, and I would be lying if I said I didn’t admire his grit. “We got your back.”
“Good,” I reply, clapping him on the shoulder. “Now, let’s get this shit done.”
As the last of the weapons are secured, I can see the determination etched on each of my brothers’ faces. We are a formidable force with enough fire in our bellies to take on any challenge thrown our way. In this moment, I know we will prevail without a shadow of a doubt. The Savage Angels will protect their own, no matter the cost.
“Let’s ride,” I command, and the roar of engines fills the air as we mount our bikes. The road ahead is uncertain, but one thing is for sure—we are ready for the fight.
Chapter Seven
SALVATORE
“Dane!” I shout as I make my way through the garage.
He’s sitting on a bike and turns, his long, dark hair tied back, a stark contrast to my slicked-back style. He’s wearing jeans and a black T-shirt while I’m in a suit. We are polar opposites, and yet we are the same. Dane would do anything to protect his men and family, as would I. Being married to Emily, Dane’s sister, makes him family, but I like to think we would have become friends, even if we met as strangers.
“Sal,” he grunts, acknowledging me with a nod.
“We need to talk.” I glance around the room, then lower my voice. “About the situation with the Abruzzis.”
“All right,” he says as he gets off the bike and leads me into an office. Shutting the door behind us, he leans against the desk and crosses his arms. “What’s on your mind?”
“I want you to know I appreciate you and your men being willing to go head-to-head with the Abruzzis,” I begin. “But I’ve been thinking… maybe there’s another way.”
“Another way?” Dane raises an eyebrow.
“Instead of attacking them outright, can you and the Savage Angels act as a threatening force? Intimidate them?” I ask. “I don’t want you to think I’m trying to use your MC as pawns, Dane. It’s just that both our families have been through enough already. We don’t need more bloodshed.”
Dane rubs a hand over his face. “Sal, we’re all geared up and ready to roll. The men might see it as a weakness if we pull back now.” He sighs and waves a hand in the air. “What did you have in mind?”
“We know, thanks to Jonas, that Don Abruzzi goes to the same restaurant once a week. It’s privately owned, and years ago, the Don lent the owner money to open it. Ever since, Don Abruzzi takes a cut. The guy has paid more than three times what he owes to the Don but has to keep paying for fear of being… taken out.” I pause. “I want to keep our families and our men safe, Dane. That’s all that matters.”
“Go on.”
“Could you and your men simply park outside the restaurant when the Don enters? A simple show of force?”
Dane pushes off the desk, his lips turning down in distaste. “We aren’t puppets.”
“No, you’re not.”
Dane is a proud man and, like me, he’s worked his way up through the ranks. Our only difference is he is his men's leader, and I’m a step away from becoming the Don.
“I have the backing of the majority of the families. All I need to do is cut off the head of the snake. Don Abruzzi will not expect me to make such a bold move. Dane, my friend, my brother, I’m asking you to trust me.”