CHAPTER
TWENTY-TWO
LoneStar
We’ve usednight goggles before, but this redesigned set is different and enhanced. Before we head out, we need a quick rundown on what’s changed and how to use the new features.
“These are a game changer,” Indiana says, admiring the new equipment.
I examine my pair, feeling for each button until I’m sure I can find them by touch alone. As I think through all the bells and whistles Booker claims they have, I ask, “How do you think Booker got his hands on these? They’re still in their infancy, and they haven’t even been delivered to the military yet.”
“He’s one of the original designers,” Riptide proudly informs us. “He gets to test them before they’re distributed. He and a few of his buddies own the legal rights, and they’re negotiating a sale of the model now.”
“Wow,” I whistle. “He’s gonna be a millionaire because these are the shit.”
“Makes one wonder what else he’s been up to that none of us know about,” Indiana replies. “This can’t be his first time designing shit that’ll help our armed forces.”
“He also designs games in his spare time,” Riptide discloses. “The only reason I know what he does on his own time is because he gives the club a percentage of his earnings.”
“That explains why we’re financially able to loan out money,” I announce.
“That’s one of the reasons. The other is because Kodiak, our treasurer, has been investing our money into some lucrative companies. Between him and Booker, we have quite the cushion to fall back on if something happens to our businesses,” Rip explains.
“Does that mean we can retire?” Indiana asks, teasing.
We all get a good laugh out of that because none of us do well sitting idle. Our hands have to stay busy or we get antsy and fights begin to break out.
Icer storming into the group, crossing his arms across his chest, and staring Riptide down has all of our spines going ramrod straight.
Icer grunts, “Wanna tell me why Sphinx is in the catacombs, pres?”
Instead of answering him, Rip asks a question of his own. “What were you doing down there, Icer?”
“I was covering for Shade,” Icer states. “He had a fucking migraine and asked me to take his shift. I went down because there’s only one reason we stand guard in the cemetery and that’s when we have a guest.”
“He’s like a goddamn cat. Curiosity gets the best of him and he can’t resist checking things out,” Indiana tuts. “His nine lives are running out because he can’t check himself and fall in line.”
I ignore him because I want to hear Rip’s answer. “I’m not ready to talk about it yet,” Rip says, mimicking Icer’s pose and temperament. This is not going to go over well.
“He’s our mole, isn’t he?” I inquire.
“Dammit,” Riptide growls. “There are extenuating circumstances that I’m trying to iron out. I can’t bring this to the table until I have all of the facts and my VP is here.”
“There are a lot of secrets in the club lately, Rip,” I accuse. “Keeping your brothers in the dark puts us in danger.”
“It’s not a secret,” Rip denies, his entire body shaking with anger. “I’m just putting all of my ducks in a row before bringing it to y’all’s attention. As the president, it’s my decision when and where that happens, LoneStar. Do not question me and do not disrespect me!”
I don’t let his warning deter me, my own anger is ruling me. “Is that why you were holed up in your office for days on end?”
“That I’ll answer, but you and I, we’re due for a come to Jesus meeting once we deal with this professor bullshit. Yes, it’s why I was locked in my office, I was making calls and getting everything hashed out. I still don’t know everything I need to and I don’t take a brother’s patch or life without knowing every goddamn thing lightly. You’d expect the same consideration from me if it were you. There are things he told me that I want to verify before taking any sort of action. I’ve done nothing to earn your mistrust, LoneStar, and I’m fed up with this shit. This is twice in so many days you’ve questioned my honor.”
Being called out for my insubordination in front of my brothers is fucked up, but when I step back and look at it from his point of view, it’s well-deserved.
As Rip walks away, I go to follow only to find my arm gripped as I’m held back by Indiana. He gives me some damn good advice by saying, “Give him some time to cool off, he’s hot right now and it won’t turn out well for you if you try to talk to him while he’s that pissed.”
I nod my head but still don’t like that things are left unsettled between us. Especially when we’re going to be traipsing through the woods as we track down our enemy. We need to have each other’s back, not be at odds.
As we’re gearing up, I take a chance and approach Rip. “You’re right about me, pres. I fucked up, more than once, and I’ll pay the repercussion for it. My head has been all over the place, but that’s not an excuse. Things have felt off with the club for a while and it messed with me and had me questioning things I have no right to.”
