Hawk picked up his glass and knocked back the amber liquid. I expected him to hurl the glass across the room, as he had done a lot lately. Instead, he just slammed it down on the table. “We keep fucking looking until we find them.”
The room was quiet again for a few beats, then Eagle cleared his throat. “Prez, I have something to add to our agendatoday,” he said as he tucked his brown hair behind his ears.
Hawk lifted his chin. “Go on. A change of subject would be good.”
Eagle stood. “First, I’d like to remind everyone that we’ve had a vacancy for a short time in our ranks for Sergeant at Arms.”
“True. I’d say things have been moving fast since that vacancy became available,” Hawk answered.
Grumbles sounded around the table. The one that held that title before turned out to be the rat. A selfish, power-hungry rat.
Eagle went on. “We brought in our nomad brother, Jackal, as an enforcer. A move that has strengthened our club.”
I was an enforcer already when they made that addition. Jackal brought experience and years with him that the rest of us just hadn’t lived yet. There’s no other man I’d have been prouder to share the title with.
Jackal bowed his head. “It’s been an honor and a privilege, brother.”
As Eagle went on, I knew he was gearing up to put a vote for the next Sergeant at Arms. Jackal had been a nomad for years but always loyal to the club, no matter the chapter he was with. And he was one of Raven’s oldest friends. With all that experience, it made sense.
“We still have a lot up in the air,” Eagle said. Hawk shifted in his seat, so Eagle put up his hand. “But, we’re going to find those fuckers and end it. I believe in order to do that, we need clarity and organization.”
Eagle had always been dedicated to the club and proved his place as VP, but he never was one for speeches. It was odd to hear, but also led to a shift. He still sounded like Eagle, but he was stepping into his role even more. It was like a sign that not only Eagle was growing, but the tide was turning for the club as a whole.
We all watched as he presented his case.
“With that being said, we need to fill the opening,” Eagle told us as he looked around the room.
Everyone nodded in agreement.
Hawk interrupted. “There’s still the matter of a full vote for our recent change of leadership.” He tipped his cup, as if he was willing more whiskey to appear. “Technically, I’m just the interim president until the other chapter officers all vote as well.”
When Raven was taken out, we shifted several members up a title to fill the gaps in the major roles. We had two enforcers at that time. One was moved to Sergeant at Arms, Eagle bumped to VP, and Hawk took what I felt was his rightful place at the head of the table after our officers voted.
Eagle nodded. “Semantics, Prez. You were groomed for that shit. You’re our president.”
The edges of Hawk’s lips turned up into a grin. He hadn’t smiled a lot lately, so it was good to see.
“I hope you’re right, but I need to humble myself,” Hawk said. “We have rules and I’ll honor them. Everyone agreed the timing has been off, but we’ll get it handled when everyone is back down. With your upcoming nuptials, I’ve invited themdown to join us again. Last time was a bit of a bust. But all other roles are voted here and here alone. So, who do you suggest for our opening, Eagle?”
Eagle smiled wide, the childlike side of him peeking out as he gripped his cut. “For a long time, I’ve felt he deserved more, but I also understood that for such a role, communication was kinda important.” He winked at me, and I straightened in my chair. “I submit Rooster for Sergeant at Arms, Prez.”
Jackal slapped my back from the chair next to me, Red smiled widely as he pounded his fist to the table, and Falcon nodded with a grin.
“What the fuck?” I asked. It was all that came to mind, and the only valid question or response to this nomination.
Eagle chuckled. “Look, man, you’ve been the toughest, craziest, and most loyal brother for years. But thank fuck you ran into Kristie and she got you to open your fucking mouth again.”
“Agreed,” Red said from across the table. “You know the job, you’ve practically done the job. But for such a spot, talking is probably needed occasionally. Although I’ve seen you bust up problems with a stern look and grunt on many occasions.”
Falcon said, “Hell yeah, brother. I vote yes.”
Looking over at Hawk, I waited for him to say something reasonable about how this was a mistake.
Hawk’s grin was a little wider than before as he reached inside his cut. “Funny you mention that, Eagle. Because I thought the same damn thing.” He flung something across the table as he stared at me.
Reaching over, I grabbed the pristine rectangular patch that readSgt at Arms.
With furrowed brows, I looked over. “Prez, I think you need some rest.”
