I stood and gazed at the bones of the new clubhouse. Somebody had vandalised it, and we’d got the call. Someone had started a fire, but it had rained heavily yesterday, and it had been put out before it caught.
“Shit,” Apache hissed as he stared at the damage.
“How long to repair it?” I asked.
“It will put us back a week,” Apache replied.
“Someone doesn’t want us here.”
“What are you going to do?”
A grim smile crossed my lips. “Secure the peninsula. I’ll install motion-detection cameras and get the gate up this weekto cut off public access. Fuck whoever this is. Rage does not run, and I’m not about to start,” I stated.
Apache nodded in approval as I heard a car approaching. I turned around, and Cates got out of her sheriff’s vehicle.
“I’ve had a report. Is everything okay?”
“No, we’ve been vandalised, and someone tried to burn the clubhouse frame down,” I said as she approached.
Her eyes narrowed as she stopped next to me. “Damn. That’s definitely fire damage.”
“Yup. You heard any dissension among the townies?” I asked.
“There’s been the usual complainants, but this level of disagreement? No.” She glanced around. “Who found it?”
“Two of my workmen arrived this morning and called it in. They kept everyone away from the scene while they waited for us,” Apache stated. His brows were drawn together. “I don’t feel this is a warning to fuck off; fire is a massive step.”
“Yeah, this isn’t an escalation because there’s been no previous event. Someone doesn’t want you here,” Cates agreed. “We’ll file a report. Do you have any cameras up?”
“On the equipment, yes. On the bridge over the creek or on the buildings, nah. I didn’t think we needed them. But we know now. By tonight, this place will be locked up tighter than a duck’s ass. We’ll be putting up the gates today to lock this down at night,” Apache replied.
“Gates?”
“Yeah, with a guard on. If someone thinks they can come and shit on us, they’ve got another thing coming. This is our land, our home, and we’ll protect it,” I stated.
Cates held my gaze. “Don’t take the law into your own hands.”
“Cates, we will protect our land and families. My wife is here right now instead of being at home with our kids. She’s here because she wants to help this town, even though she doesn’thave a house yet. Shit on us and I’ll ensure Rosie doesn’t return until my club has moved here as a group,” I warned.
Cates placed her hands on her hips and held my gaze. “Ain’t shitting on you, Calamity. I’m as concerned as you, and there won’t be any sweeping this under the carpet. Trust me, over half the town is grateful to Rosie and Klutz coming once a week for four days. I hear they’re booked solid,” Cates said calmly.
“They should be, as my kids are being left behind. I can stop that at any time. That’s not a threat but a promise. I won’t leave Rosie exposed if there’s danger here. In fact, from now on, I’ll have a brother at the clinic for her safety,” I stated, and Apache nodded in approval. “Same with Klutz.”
“That’s fine. I’ll start digging; some of the deputies can as well. Rumours tend to spread like wildfire here, so if anyone’s talking, we’ll soon hear about it. The book club also has its ear to the ground,” Cates said, rolling her eyes.
“Thanks. I guess you’ll need to take some statements,” I replied.
“Yes. If you can point me to the guys who arrived and discovered this,” Cates asked. Apache pointed, and she walked away.
“What do you think?” Apache inquired softly.
“Someone doesn’t want us here. Whether that’s because of the status quo being upset or one of our businesses, I’m uncertain. Are they doing something illegal, and are they worried that we’ll intrude and take over? It could be fuckin’ anything at this point. Hell, there’s that Timon guy whose nose is out of joint at the new garage we’re opening. He and Texas have already gone at it twice. Fucker’s tried to stop us getting our permits three times now, and I don’t think the battle’s over yet,” I replied.
“Anything else?”
“Could be the mobile vet. Rosie and Klutz are taking the town’s business, and that’s pissed him off. He’s lost mega-bucks.Asshole was charging through the nose. Might be someone who thinks an MC is gonna bring trouble. Your guess is as good as mine, Apache. For now, there are too many variants to narrow shit down.”
“Drake chose well when he picked you to lead. You’re doing just fine,” Apache stated and slapped me on the shoulder. He strode off to check his men, who were talking to Cates.
