I’m impressed as they come up with some good ideas about an improved layout, and the brothers for whom it will be their new home are all ears and delighted.
“So, eight members live here?” Hardcore studies the charred remains.
“And the four club girls, and currently one prospect, but we’d like to have accommodation for more,” Prez explains.
“Whatcha thinking?” Lunatic defers to Hardcore.
“I’m thinking that building a decent structure is going to take months rather than days. They converted the loft area and made a two-storey building. What I’d like to do,” he kicks at some charred wood, “is build something that will be stronger than before.”
“And with a sprinkler system.” Lunatic grins.
“That’s a fuckin’ given,” Freak butts in.
“The Amish can build a decent-sized barn in a day,” Rattler moans.
Rolling his eyes, Hardcore addresses that statement. “Sure, one fit for animals.”
“That would suit him.” Winchester points at Rat, who launches himself at his tormentor, grabbing the pointing finger and damn near tearing it off.
Seconds later, they’re on the ground, going at each other. Freak grabs a still full bucket of water that hadn’t been needed for damping down and throws it over them. They part, shaking themselves like a pair of dogs. The expression Freak’s wearing keeps them separate.
Hardcore continues as if he were never interrupted. “What you need is a place where humans can live, which means electricity and water supplies will have to be fixed and re-plumbed in. It’s all going to take some time to make it habitable, I’m afraid.” He turns to Prez. “Have you considered getting some trailers as temporary accommodation?”
Bullseye simply stares at him for a moment. “If you want to know, we’ve been chasing our tails since the attack, just trying to keep our heads above water. But your suggestion is good. Saint?Can you ask Pippa to look into trailers, and, Stalker? You want to look at the books and add that to the cost of the replacement bikes, and see what we’ve got to play with?”
“Something else for you to consider. We can lend you some bodies to do the work, including a plumber and an electrician. But even at King’s rates, all joking aside, that’s going to cost you. Civilians like to make a living.”
Prez just stares at Hardcore, shakes his head, and then addresses our treasurer. “What he said. And Saint? Make sure Pippa concentrates on emptying the fuckin’ MDMC’s bank accounts. They’re going to fuckin’ pay for this.”
“Wait,” Lunatic butts in. “The FBI agent can do that?”
“Secret service,” Saint states proudly. “And yes, there’s not much she can’t hack in and out of with no trace. And as it’s all ill-gotten gains, who are they going to complain to?” He chuckles softly. “If I know my ol’ lady, she may even leave a hint it was the cartel. Leave them to fight it out among themselves.”
“Fuckin’ brilliant.” Hardcore nods approvingly.
There’s not much else we can do today but continue to clear the site of all the debris. We put aside anything we find that survived the conflagration, but there’s very little. I find a gremlin bell that Rattler claims, and for some reason, hadn’t put on his bike. It was a gift he’d felt too daft to use. But the fact that it had come through unscathed, I think might have changed his mind now.
Dusk falls in the late afternoon as it’s getting close to winter, so once we’ve done everything we can, brothers congregate in the clubroom. I make my excuses, as there are more than enough men to make our California brothers feel welcome. I’m anxious to get back to my woman and find out how Trip’s therapy has gone.
