Page 77 of Rest In Pieces
“Touché. She seems like fun, though, and we could definitely use some fun around here.”
I look at Toot. “You noticed it too?”
“Noticed what?” Mac looks between us both.
“The weird vibe around here. It’s not like when Bear was making his move. Back then, there was some tension, but now it’s more a sense of, I don’t know, unease,” Toot says. “People aren’t on edge, just unsettled.”
“I think it might have always been there and we just didn’t pay enough attention to it. It’s so subtle that it mostly flies under the radar. Nothing really changed with Conan giving up his VP patch and you taking over, because everyone knows and trusts you. But with Blade stepping down and a new president stepping in, one that’s not even from the mother chapter… That’s stirredthings up, got people worried. The uncertainty of the situation is feeding the vibe.
“I have faith that Havoc will make a good president. A better one than me, for sure. People will come around eventually, but building trust takes time. And let’s be honest, nobody likes change. What this club went through was fucked up. It’s made us insulate ourselves against outsiders a little. People will worry, especially the club girls, that Havoc could turn out to be like Bear. But he’s not, not even close. We just need to give him a chance. And honestly, maybe this kind of shake up is exactly what this club needs.”
“Is that right?” Blade says from behind me. I don’t flinch at his sarcastic tone. I didn’t say anything I wouldn’t say to his face.
I turn and lean back, my beer in hand, as I look at him. “Like you said, we’re moving into a new era. With a younger generation coming through.”
He looks like he’s ready to call me out, but he doesn’t because I’m right—he did say that. It was part of his reasons why I should be VP and Havoc should become president.
“Alright, assholes, church in five,” Blade bellows before storming off.
Conan and Inigo walk over, frowning as they look at Blade’s retreating back.
“What was that all about?” Inigo asks.
“Don’t know. How are you doing, Conan?”
“Okay.”
“I wasn’t expecting to see you here today.”
“I’ve got chemo tomorrow. Figured I’ll probably miss a few church sessions when it kicks my ass, so I’d better make it to the ones I can.”
“Got it.”
“Where’s Sunshine?” Toot asks.
Inigo grunts. “Back at Carnage with Alex and King. King’s spending time with his grandkids, and Sunshine’s there to make sure his sons don’t kill him.”
I grin. It’s no secret that there’s still some bad blood between King and Orion and Diesel. It was worse before they found out they have two half-sisters, Megan and Six. They seemed to have mellowed the guys somewhat, so their relationship is better now than it was, but it’s far from perfect. The Kings of Carnage president and VP are friendly with their father for the most part, but with all the history and mistakes made between them, it doesn’t take much to set them off.
“Besides, Luna’s been threatening to crash Raven’s nest if she doesn’t get her Sunshine fix.” Conan just shakes his head.
The old lady and resident queen of Carnage is certifiable. “Luna might have that sweet smile and those big blue eyes, but she’d gut you in a heartbeat if you hurt anyone she cared about.”
“I wouldn’t say she’s completely crazy, though, more like your friendly neighborhood nutjob.”
Mac rubs his face. “Sunshine’s a handful on her own. We don’t need Luna dropping in and adding to the chaos.”
“I was just saying how fun Amity is. How she is what the club needs, but thinking about Amity, Sunshine, and Luna together, makes me second guess myself. I just know the little ninja will end up getting them into more trouble and they don’t need any fucking help in that department, do they now?” Toot elbows me, making both Conan and Inigo look at me questioningly.
“Ninja?”
“Amity,” I tell them before Toot does it for me.
“The girl who brought your drunk ass home?” Inigo asks.
I groan. “Definitely not one of my finer moments.”
“No shit.” Mac snorts as I glare at him.