Page 24 of Hell On Heels
As everyone got up, Teller stared at Vicious and Razor. It seemed they were still at odds over a lot of damn nothing.
Chapter Twelve
The clubhouse was buzzing with the low hum of conversation as the brothers milled around. There was a feeling stirring in the air, Razor could feel it.
A hand gripped his shoulder. Teller gripped Razor’s shoulder as he got up and looked down at him, then at Hemlock. “Church in five minutes.”
“Hemlock, Razor. When Stick asks if there is any new business, be ready to present the idea about the chapter buying the building. This is something the two of you came up with. So, you need to present it,” Teller told them. He wouldn’t take credit from someone else's idea.
“Will do,” was all Hemlock said as Teller walked away.
When they approached the meeting room, Aries reached over and opened the door, allowing them inside. Razor let Hemlock walk in first.
The room was simple with rows of chairs and a long wooden table at the front where the officers sat. On the walls hungthe club’s colors and code, nothing else. Brothers stood around waiting on Teller to call church to order.
The door opened as Teller walked in, followed by the chapter’s officers. They moved as a unit past the pews, straight for the head table. Teller stood in front of the table, making sure there was no doubt who was in charge. He didn’t sit. That alone made the air feel heavier. His cut stretched across his back; his hands stuffed in his front pockets. His head bowed slightly, giving the appearance he was thinking of what he was about to say.
The chapter’s officers sat at the table, cuts tight across their backs, colors bold, a statement of loyalty. Each had a coffee or a drink in front of them, some both.
The rest of the brothers grabbed seats without ceremony.
Blackjack stepped forward, making sure the two prospects stood at their posts, then shut the door with a heavy bang that echoed off the walls. Locking it was a formality; everyone was supposed to be here.
“Call the meeting,” Teller told Stick the chapter secretary.
“Church is in session,” Stick said loud and clear.
A few boots shifted. A cough broke the silence. Then it was straight to business—no bullshit, no wasted words.
Razor sat next to Hemlock and Truck as Teller took a moment to look around. When his hard stare stopped on him, Razor adjusted in his seat feeling like he was under a microscope.
Everyone listened as Stick read the minutes from the last meeting. Teller’s gaze never left Razor’s, making him uncomfortable.
Once Stick was done, they moved on to new business. Teller cleared his throat.
“After church we’re taking a little ride. It’s something we’ve let slide lately. Rumor has it there’s other clubs looking at our territory. We need to be seen…in full color. Feel me?”
“Any idea who’s trying to push in on us?” Blackjack asked.
“No. but who it is will circle back around to us. It always does,” Teller said.
There were a few grumbles and shuffling of feet, even a few throats cleared. But Teller looked over at Vicious than at Razor. He wasn’t dealing with his brothers fighting over fuckin' women. They might have set it aside for now, but it was still simmering underneath the surface.
“Now is there any new business?”
Hemlock spoke up, “Yeah, I’ve got something to present to the chapter. A business venture.”
“Let’s hear it.”
It took a few minutes for Hemlock to explain the idea that they’d discussed.
Everyone voted on looking further into purchasing the building and creating rental property which would be revenue for the chapter.
* * *
Razor didn’t wait for anyone as he headed for his bike. If Teller wanted them to ride, he’d roll and probably put someone’s damn head through a wall with the way his mood was deteriorating.
When Teller stepped out of the clubhouse, he whistled loudly grabbing everyone’s attention.
