“Not if the three of us participated in some capacity,” CJ suggested, looking at Christopher, a question in his eyes.
“I don’t know, kid,” Mortician said. “That mean we got to tell Red, Chester,andMeggie a fucking lie about why you three participating.”
“Didn’t you allow them to attend one last time to tie up the loose ends, Christopher?” Johnnie asked. “This is important to Rory. Just say it’s more loose ends.”
“As much as I empathize with Rory, I think you all underestimate how quick Aunt Meggie is,” Diesel said. “She knows about Gypsy and me. If Ryan, Rory, and CJ participate in Gypsy’s funeral, Aunt Meggie will put it together. She’ll either think Gypsy slept with all three of them and alert Kendall andZoann. Or she’ll think it was one of them andstillalert Kendall and Zoann.”
Groans traveled through the crowd.
“As much as we like Val and Johnnie’s broads, we got to get
back on Meggie’s good side,” Burger said. “When she didn’t like Prez to kill, we didn’t worry about whether he’d fuck us up.”
“You betrayed the woman,” Mortician said in disgust. “You
sowed her seeds of not giving a fuck because you motherfuckers didn’t. Now reap the fucking terror.”
“Can we talk to her?” House asked.
“Fuck no,” Christopher barked. “And if you fuckin’ approach her with club business, Ima shoot the fuck outta you. Mort right, so shut the fuck up.”
House lumbered his bulk back to a chair and sat, pouting like a young motherfucker despite being anoldmotherfucker.
“Finally, Diesel turnin’ thirty this comin’ Saturday. I already know Gypsy’s services won’t be for at least another week because of out-of-town motherfuckers.” Christopher nodded to Diesel. “His ma hostin’ a barbeque. You all fuckin’ invited.”
“She is?” Diesel asked, his eyes wide.
“Yeah, boy.”
“Prez?” Slipper called. “What about Jazzman and the rectory? What’s going on?”
“Stretch preparin’ a budget for our regular fuckin’ meetin’ with an appropriate donation. For the time bein’ Father Wilkins in LA, helpin’ me with Rule.”
“Oh, yeah. Rule. Been meaning to ask how your kid is Outlaw,” a motherfucker blocked from view by House, asked. “My old lady praying for him.”
“Thanks, brother,” Christopher said. “He better. He got a long road, but he’s gonna get there.”
“For sure,” that same motherfucker said. “If you or Meggie need anything, we’re here.”
“Appreciate that,” Christopher said. “I’m gonna have Easton moved on the secure wing at the hospital. I need some motherfuckers to volunteer to keep watch on him.”
Three brothers raised their hands.
“If there’s nothin’ else, the meetin’ adjourned.”
“Hey, Mort,” Kendall said hoarsely, opening the door to find him standing on her veranda. When the bell rang and she looked at the camera, she hadn’t been surprised to see him. He always checked on her. Once he walked in, she closed the door. “How was Church?”
“Prez got shit done,” he said with a combination of relief and admiration. “He always do.”
“He does.”
“But I’m not here to talk about club business, Red. I came to check on you.”
“Do you want a drink?” she asked on the verge of tears again.
Meggie had brought Kendall to her house just as she’d promised. Roxy came and they’d talked to her for a solid hour. But Kendall wanted to get home and cry. Roxy insisted on escorting Kendall home. She hadn’t left immediately. She’d even read Blade a bedtime story while Kendall took a hot shower. Then, she just wanted to be alone, so Roxy honored those wishes and left. Rory and JJ were still with Johnnie and Mattie texted to let her know she was with Rebel and Harley.
“A beer?” Mort asked.
