As we near the cemetery, forty Dead Dogs on their bikes turn onto the street leading into the park. We wait for them to go by before we continue.
After another twenty minutes, we park a block down from the Dead Dogs’ motorcycles and get ready to walk to the columbarium. One of the prospects and a patched member will stay with our bikes. I gave Tonsils permission to come, it was the best way to keep the peace between us. Twelve other brothers will join me.
I open the glass door and step inside the building. There’s an abundance of white rose wreaths on stands throughout the space. Everyone turns as I walk toward Angel’s spot. Bear and his mother are standing at the front of the room, waiting for me.
“Eagle,” Bear says. He offers his hand, but I refuse to shake it.
“Is it my time to talk?”
Our gazes lock. His coal-colored eyes remind me of Angel’s. However, his are dull and void of happiness. Angel’s eyes were always expressive, full of life and innocence.
“After the violinist plays,” he informs me, pointing to the other side of the room.
I grit my teeth and lower my head, accepting the delay. The musician plays an eerie rendition of Amazing Grace that seems to drag on forever. Once she finishes, I’m ready to speak and get the fuck out of here.
“We’re gathered to remember and celebrate the life of my sister, Angelique Orani. Taken too soon from us, we often talk about the life she wanted to live. The places she wanted to visit. The people she loved unconditionally.” Bear pauses and stares at me. “Angel didn’t care about where someone came from or who they associated with. Like stray animals, she often dragged home whoever needed a helping hand.”
The crowd of about seventy-five people claps.
“Angel wanted to be a wife and mother . . .”
Fucking liar.
“She wanted to have a big family.”
I close my eyes and fight the urge to destroy him.
“She loved her family and the Dead Dogs.”
I fist my hands at my sides.
“She was engaged to Brian Dresher . . .”
I can’t fucking do it. With a guttural growl, I tackle Bear and roll him onto his back. I punch him in the face repeatedly, until I hear cartilage snap.
He tries to kick me off, but the effort only enrages me more. The next blow is to his chest. That’s when I hear Tonsils scream at me and try to lift me off Bear.
“Come on, Eagle.”
I shrug his arm off my shoulder and squeeze Bear’s face. I stare into his fear-laced eyes, his blood all over my fingers. “She hated you, motherfucker. Hated your club. Mourned the loss of her beloved father. Despised you for turning her mother into an addict.” I dig a thumb into his left eye socket, applying just enough pressure to make him writhe in pain. “Tell me why I shouldn’t kill you right here in front of everyone.” My free hand grips his throat. “Why I shouldn’t strangle the fuck out of you. At least you get to look your killer in the face. That’s more consideration than you ever gave Angel. She died afraid and alone. Burned alive by you and your worthless club.”
“Eagle!” Tonsil’s voice is frantic.
I let go of Bear’s face and throat, but stay straddled over his chest. “Answer me.”
He coughs and sputters, fighting for a full breath.
“Why shouldn’t I kill you?”
“B-because there’s a gun aimed at the back of your fucking head.”
Whoever is holding it chambers a round.
“Get up, slowly,” someone says.
I look to my left. Six of my brothers are standing there, the rest to my right. I nod and their pistols come out of hiding. As I stand up, all I see are guns aimed at various members of both clubs. But the one that interests me the most is in the hands of the man standing behind me. I turn and find Derelict waiting.
“Do it,” I challenge him, waiting. “Need me to show you how?”
“Please,” Angel’s mother cries out. She inserts herself between me and Derelict, then grips the barrel of his gun with both hands. “This isn’t supposed to happen. Let Eagle go.”
She scans the crowd for support.
“L-listen to my mother.” Bear staggers to his feet, his face a swollen, bloody mess. “There’s a time and place for vengeance,” he says.
No one moves.
“This isn’t over,” I say to him. I’m not afraid to die for the right cause. Yeah, I’m moving on with my life, but I’ll be damned if the Dead Dogs are going to get away with lying about their part in Angel’s death.
