“He’s a fucking kid! I’m almost an adult and have more rules than I know what the fuck to do with.”
“Respect your father,” Mom said.
CJ frowned.
“That’s your rule. Respect Christopher.”
“Not my uncles?”
“Mortician, Val, Knox, and Stretch. As much as I’d like to say kill Johnnie for all I care, I can’t. But he’s a little man who respects no one. Besides,doyou really respect him? You’ve gone toe-to-toe with him on several occasions.”
“I have.”
“Did the world collapse? Were you grounded foranyamount of time?”
“He’s an officer.”
“He’s an idiot. Andyouaren’t a club member, CJ.”
“Uncle Mort said I have to listen to him as an officer of the club.”
“You need to trust your instincts. Around the club members, I agree. Disrespect isn’t allowed, but you aren’t going to be around them much anymore. You all are getting back onmyschedule.”
“Mom—”
“I’m not listening, son. One, you need a little normalcy. Two, do you really think your father is going to shut you completely out? He will miss having you there. You have to give him a chance to accept that you are coming into your own and have to find your own way. We’re here to guide you. Not block you or step in at every little dust-up. That is as hard for Christopher to accept as it is for you.”
“The members don’t really respect me, though.”
“In time. Christopher fast-tracked you to being at his side and ignored protocol, school, rules, and everything. That was bound to go south for everyone involved.” She smiled and placedher hand on his arm. “Just trust me, potato. I will get you where you want to be.”
“You called me potato.”
“You will always be that to me, CJ. I know I can’t say it in front of many people, so I won’t embarrass you.”
“Thanks, Mom.”
“I think I’ll get some food together. Do you want to help—”
“Food sounds wonderful, Aunt Meggie,” Diesel said, walking in from the mudroom.
Mom jumped to her feet and stormed to Diesel, slapping the shit out of him. “I’m not telling you again, idiot,” she snarled. “Leave Rebelalone. You’ve lost your mind. And in front ofJanano less. How about I haveyoureyeballs carved out so you can’t see Rebel’s?”
“I can explain.”
She kicked him. “If you try, I willstabyou.”
“Jana’s at the fucking treehouse. How did you even fucking hear about our visit to Rebel’s room?”
“The back end of the club is vulnerable. Not many people know about it, but if Rack told his stupid son, he might’ve been on the grounds. We were given the all clear, but I didn’t want to leave her vulnerable.”
“Fuck—” Diesel started to turn, but Mom grabbed his wrist. “I have to go, Aunt Meggie,” he said irritably. “You can beat me later.”
“No, you’re staying right here.”
“I won’t be long,” Diesel protested.
“Shut up and explain to me why Jana washigh.”
