Cash's Fight
Page 14

“You can’t protect anyone if you’re six feet under.” Cash saw Stud wouldn’t back down. “I’ll set up a meeting with Viper; that’s all I can do. It’s up to him if he wants to drag The Last Riders into your war.”
“It’s not a war yet. I may be able to stop it.” Stud’s voice was filled with worry.
Cash sympathized with the hard biker. He had a streak of loyalty that was hard to find in many men. Stud also had to be concerned for Sex Piston’s safety and his four children.
Cash shook his head. “They are fanatical. Nothing but force will stop them.”
Stud nodded. “Set up the meeting with Viper.”
“Will do.” Cash stood.
“You’re welcome to stay.”
“No, thanks; I better head back. I want to talk to Viper.” Cash stared down at Stud, trying to convey his urgency. The Destructors were on borrowed time until the first strike was made.
“Cash, you have my marker. If you ever need anything…”
Cash stared down at Stud. He respected his desire to pay his debts.
“Get Killyama to back off Train, and we’ll call it even.”
It took him forty-five minutes to drive back to the clubhouse. Being Friday night, most of the brothers were still up.
Train and Jewell were coming down the steps from upstairs.
“Where’s Viper?”
“Upstairs.”
Cash went up and saw Viper’s bedroom door open. It was rare when the president let others watch; tonight wasn’t one of those nights, though. Viper was sitting at his desk in front of the computer with Winter asleep on the bed. Regrettably, he must have missed the show.
“Got a minute?”
“Yeah.” Viper leaned back in his chair, giving him his attention.
Cash had already informed Viper of the information he was going to tell Stud that night before the meet. Subsequently, Cash updated him on Stud’s reaction and his request.
Viper remained quiet while Cash talked. When he finished, Viper looked at Winter lying on the bed. Cash could see the conflict in his eyes. Viper would want to help Stud out, but he had his own woman and club to watch out for.
“The Freedom Riders aren’t going to give a shit about the Destructors, and everyone knows who runs them. They will go after Stud; he’s the only thing stopping them from controlling Jamestown. It’s going to go down hard on him. It’s inevitable unless we add our numbers to his,” Cash advised.
“Tell everyone we’re having a club meeting tomorrow night. I’ll make my decision tonight.” Viper stood up, stretching.
“Will do.”
“Cash, anything bothering you?” Viper stopped him from leaving the room.
“No. Why?” Cash paused.
Viper powered down his computer, closing it before answering his question. “I don’t know; you just seem distracted lately. Now is not the time for distractions.”
“My mind is exactly where it needs to be until this is over.”
“That’s what I want to hear. We have wives and children to protect now.”
“I won’t let you down,” Cash promised.
“If you do, one of them could pay the price.”
Viper’s grim warning was still on his mind after he’d left the room.
Going downstairs, he passed the word about the meeting tomorrow night. Then, tired, he decided to go to bed.
He was halfway up the stairs when Raci yelled up at him.
“Want some company?”
Rachel’s hurt face flashed through his mind.
“Come on.” He held his hand out to her.
With a huge grin, the woman came up the steps and took his hand. He couldn’t have Rachel distracting him. If he tried to see her again, her brothers finding out would be inevitable. What’s more, The Last Riders needed to have Stud’s back, not fighting a feud with three idiots.
Inside his bedroom, Raci quickly removed her skimpy outfit.
“What do you want tonight, Cash?”
“Every fucking thing you’ve got.”
 
 
Chapter 7
 
“What do you want me to do with these?” Evie questioned as she opened the door for the men who were carrying in the furniture she was donating to the church store.
“Bring it to the back of the store.” Rachel couldn’t believe the amount of furniture Evie was donating. Much of it was expensive and custom-made. “Are you sure you want to donate all of this?”
“I’m sure. I kept what I wanted, and since King and I are living in his house and I’m selling mine, there’s no need to keep it. It will make me feel better that it’s going to good use. I only used it a few months before King and I got married.”
Rachel directed Rider and Train where to put the couch. Not looking at Cash, who was holding the other end of the bed’s headboard, she directed Nickel to put it against the back wall. Razer and Viper were busy trying to maneuver the washer through the store.
Rachel kept herself busy, directing the men as the household of furniture was all placed at the back of the store. She ignored Cash as best she could, making small talk with Evie while the men finished and left the store.
“Pastor Merrick will appreciate the donation.”
Evie’s expression went curiously blank.
Rachel hadn’t pried Lily for information on why Evie no longer attended church, but she couldn’t help asking for herself. “Why did you switch churches, Evie?”
“I don’t exactly get along with his wife.”
Rachel didn’t care for Brooke Merrick, either. If she hadn’t attended the church since she was a little girl, she would have left, too. Truthfully, Rachel didn’t see Brooke staying long-term in Treepoint; she snubbed her nose at most of the women in the congregation. Rachel had never met a minister’s wife so totally unsuited for her husband’s profession.
“That’s it,” Viper declared.
“Next Friday, we’re having a birthday party for Mrs. Langley if any of your club wants to attend,” Rachel invited.
Her brothers hadn’t been happy about her intention to invite The Last Riders, but they helped the woman out whenever she needed them, and she had a close relationship to Beth, Razer, and Lily. There was no way out of inviting them other than outright snubbing them, and she wasn’t going to do that.
“We’ll be there,” Viper agreed, moving off with his men.
“I hope you and your husband can attend,” Rachel teased Evie. “If I couldn’t have King, it’s nice to see both of you so happy.”
“You’re lucky I’m not the jealous type, or I would whip your ass for that.”
“I think I’m the last woman in Treepoint you have to worry about stealing King from you.” Rachel’s cheerful voice sounded fake to her own ears. Her simple dress was no comparison to the tight jeans and blouse Evie was wearing.
“I don’t know about that. King still talks about your shooting. He asked me if I wanted to get a conceal-and-carry permit. I have no desire to shoot or carry a gun around with me.”
“You might change your mind. I think several women in town won’t mind he has a wedding ring,” Rachel quipped.
Evie laughed. “It might be a good thing Penni sent my gun back .”