Page 39 of The Club Family
When he’s out of my sight, I sit at my desk, close my eyes, and lean back. Like everyone else, I don’t like being on lockdown, even if it is the right thing to do.
Spreadingthe papers out across my desk, I look over the notes I’ve scribbled down. If my calculations are correct, we could build up to fifteen houses out back and still have land to use for other things. The more I think about it, the more it makes sense. The way things are going, lockdowns will be in effect more often than not. If the majority of us were to live here permanently, it would make having families already around more practical.
“I have a pretty good idea what you’re up to, and I’m telling you, it’s not the right time.”
I look up to see Pope lingering in the doorway. Raising my hand, I beckon him in, and he closes the door behind him.
“What is it you think I’m up to, brother?” I ask as he takes a seat.
“You’re giving Leo a lot more responsibility. Some might say too much.”
In all the years I’ve known Pope, there hasn’t been many times he’s missed something going on. Leaning back in my chair, I look over at my brother and choose my words carefully.
“From the moment he was born, you all knew he’d be the one I wanted to take over. We’re lucky I’ve been around this long.”
“So you’re planning on handing down the gavel?”
“Yeah, and soon.”
He stares back at me, his mouth parting like he’s about to say something, but nothing coming out.
“I think he’s ready. He has what it takes to see the club move in the right direction. He’s willing to fight. You can’t deny I’m wrong.”
“I don’t disagree, Cas, but men like us,”—he slaps his chest hard—“this is who we are. For life.”
“And I’ll still be a Lost Soul. I just won’t be calling the shots.”
“Why? Why not?”
“It’s time,” is all I say.
“Time for what?” he pushes.
“If you had a chance to spend more time with Sally, and all you had to do was step down, would you take it?”
His eyes darken at the mention of his old lady. Pope is a Lost Soul through and through, so it wouldn’t surprise me if he wouldn’t. He’d rather find a way to have both.
“I suppose we all have our days. Mine sure have fucking passed.” He rubs his neck and sighs. “I have to say, it’ll be a sad day when you’re not the one sitting at the head of the table.”
I’m glad to hear it, but in time, brothers will adjust and we’ll continue on like we should.
“I’ve made no secret of my wish to see Leo take my patch, but it’ll still fall to a vote. How do you see that going down?”
“I think a lot of the brothers trust you, so if you believe in him, they will too. I’ve been watching, and a lot of the younger ones already look to him when you’re not around. It’s a sure bet Leo will take the gavel.”
That’s what I want to hear, and I relax.
“Stepping down, though? Do you honestly believe you can go from president to a brother and taking orders from your son?”
I’ve thought about this many times over. Years ago, I only saw Leo taking the gavel because I was in the ground. But as I’m still alive and kicking, I would take orders from him. The club is still the club, and I’d still die for the patch.
“Yeah, I believe I can, and I will. There’s been no doubt in my mind, Pope. None.”
“What if he fails to prove himself?”
“He won’t.”
“But what if he does?”