“Holy crap,” he gasped and sat down hard. Laughter rose at his shock as he stared in disbelief at his new cut. On the back was the Rage patch with Ortonville, MN, instead of Rapid City, SD.
“I’m going,” Klutz said, allowing Calamity time to recover.
“Not a shock,” I replied.
“I’ll be his Medic,” Klutz stated, and surprise rose this time. Everyone, like me, had thought Klutz would be VP.
“Okay.” I could challenge that, but I wouldn’t. It was their choice. It was pretty obvious that they’d have talked this through; if Calamity hadn’t consulted Klutz, I’d have been damn shocked.
“Nobody has to answer today. Most of you have old ladies and need to consult them. I suggest you do that,” I said.
“I’d like to apply.” Christian floored me by speaking up. My eyebrows almost disappeared into my hairline.
“What?” I muttered. I’d not expected my kids to leave. Then again, why hadn’t I?
“Yeah, count me in. Demi would love to get back closer to her family,” Ice spoke up, and I bit the inside of my cheek.
“I’m not renewing after next season; I want to return to smithing. Calamity, I’d like to apply,” Harley announced, and I barely refrained from coming out of my seat. While I was proud that they wanted to strike out on their own, they were my kids.
“Snap, I plan to retire in about two years. If you can work with me?” Ice added.
Calamity looked at me, unsure of how to answer. As much as I hated it, I gave my approval. “Calamity, you know their worth as brothers, and they’re young like you.”
Calamity puffed his cheeks out. “Thanks, and I’ll accept the three of you.”
“If anyone else wants to apply, speak to Calamity. But consult your woman first, because no fucker is putting me in the firing line again,” I warned them. There was laughter, but I saw contemplative looks on some of the brothers’ faces. Before this was over, there’d be a thinning in my ranks.
Calamity
“Son,” a voice said, and I looked up as Ghost sat down beside me two days later.
“Hey,” I replied, wondering what he wanted.
“Carmelle and I wish to join you,” he stated. Ghost couldn’t have shocked me more than if he’d whipped his dick out and pissed on me.
“What?”
“Carmelle and I want a fresh start, Calamity. Rapid City has too many memories. While she’s Drake’s sister, Carmelle isn’t comfortable here, not with the history that Rapid City holds for both of us,” Ghost explained.
“What position would you like?” I asked, wondering if he wanted VP.
“None. Let me be a brother, I’m cool with that,” Ghost replied.
Nope, I wasn’t satisfied with that. Ghost had done a lot for the club, swimming in filth for years. He’d saved Carmelle and her children while swallowing crap from Fury.
“Chaplain,” I suggested. Ghost’s life experience made it an ideal position for that.
Ghost considered it. “Happy with just being a brother, Prez.”
“Yeah. Bet you are. But we need you as a chaplain.”
“Is that a deal breaker?” Ghost asked, and I laughed.
“I can make it one,” I replied, and Ghost snorted.
“Got yourself a chaplain,” he said.
“Nice.”
