“Yeah, but you’re the best person to navigate them. Don’t forget to reach out to the allied MCs. While you fall under our remit, it’s respectful to speak to them and offer your allegiance. Let them know they’re welcome in MN too,” Drake stated.
“I had considered that,” I replied.
“Good. Keep those ties tight. We split blood between us. The newcomers won’t understand that, but your inner circle will. Kick anybody who can’t show respect to our legacy. And always trust your gut, Calamity, because I don’t know anyone like you, son. You’re fuckin’ special and need to remember that. When you lead, it’s instinctive. Don’t let people undermine you, not even Ghost or Texas, those old grizzlies.”
“I can’t believe you released Texas.”
“The man still wants to make amends, Calamity. Texas beats himself up over what happened. He’s shit-scared of missing out on something and will continue to break his back to prove he’s worthy of you and your family. He’s Rosie’s dad, and your kids’ grandfather, and he loves you like a son.”
“Now he does,” I replied. I searched my feelings. Did some bitterness linger because of what Texas had done? I didn’t sense any.
“And that’s why you were chosen. You know when to move forward,” Drake said with approval.
I nodded. Praise was hard for Billy Tomkins to take, and as much as I was Calamity now, I was still that scared, abused kid deep down. That boy wouldn’t ever leave me, but he certainly helped guide me away from the wrong path and kept me on the straight and narrow. Mrs Travis would be proud.
Chapter Three.
Calamity - One week later
How Drake did this shit, I didn’t know, but getting everyone to where they wanted to be was like herding sheep. My brothers were all over the place. We were meeting at the clubhouse with their old ladies as we began making plans for the move. Obviously, some of the women had businesses or jobs, and they needed to be included in this stage.
“Order! Shut the hell up,” Falcon said loudly.
“Pardon?” Penny replied, giving him a dead-eyed stare.
“How can we organise anything with everyone talking over each other and not listening?” Falcon retorted. He didn’t seem fazed by Penny or the other dark looks the old ladies were sending his way.
“Just because you are pretty and have a gold medal…” Aurora began, and Falcon sent her a derisive look.
“One gold medal?”
“Several medals,” Aurora replied, and Falcon looked mollified.
“And yet again, we’re off subject. We’re trying to sort things out for everyone and get a compilation of priority needs. Aurora-Victoria, you’re not the focus as you already bought your shop, but what about Grace? Or Rosie, who’ll need a building for her new clinic?”
Penny and Aurora-Victoria subsided.
“Okay, we have a lot to resolve today. It would be great to have a list of what we require and a wish list,” I said.
“How’s this being funded?” Texas asked.
“RC, as the National Chapter, has offered to fund the move and buildings, but I’d rather us not owe a debt. I’ll be funding this from my personal fortune. Rosie and I don’t need the money, and it’s just sitting there. We’ve discussed it, and we’re happy to buy whatever the club needs. That includes shops for the old ladies, houses, and the clubhouse built,” I said.
“Will the club own our businesses?” Mina asked.
“No, they’ll be signed over to you; I’m just paying for them,” I replied.
“That’s generous,” Penny beamed.
“We also have to discuss when we can all go visit the site, and then decide on a clubhouse design and house designs. I’ll be honest, I like modern, but I’d rather fit in with the natural surroundings. But first, let’s sort out the businesses. Penny, what would you like to do?”
“I’ll manage the kitchen. We’ll need a couple of cooks, but I’m basically going to retire. I’ll ensure we’ve got food and plan the meals and so on, unless anyone has an issue. I don’t want to be getting up so early anymore,” she replied.
“Fine by me,” I agreed. “Amberlea?”
“I’d like an office for event-planning. I’ve looked, and Ortonville doesn’t have one. Gauntlet and I have been discussing it.”
“Good idea; that’s right up your alley,” I said.
