Page 47 of Chains and Vows

But it hit. It sure did. And it was like Cash was readin' my mind or somethin' because he said, "Did my family cheat people to get this land? I can't say. I'd like to say not. But the reality is, Legion, that's just how it's done. No one is ever going to give you something for free."

Anyway. Back to Marcus and the whole reason I needed a haircut and a costume change this mornin'.

Every town has its rich people. And all rich people need their club. What kind of club that is all depends on the morals of your local rulin' family.

The Whites have one of these clubs a few miles north of town, up a creek road past Tusler, set back in the breaks where nobody's got a reason to drive.

Unless you have an invitation, of course. And Cash told me that he's got a standin' one. He laid out the mechanism for me the other morning while turnin’ a wrench on that fucked-up well pump. Casually, like being part of the local club was all in a day's work.

And to him, I guess it was.

"Ya see, Legion," he said. "I'm part of this place, and these people, and even though I don't live in that club world, I gotta pay my dues."

I was listenin' carefully at this point. I mean, the man didn't drag me out to the middle of nowhere to explain a legit operation, right? He brought me along to tell me secrets.

Which, honestly, was a little bit flatterin'. I mean, four months ago he and his hands beat the shit outta me, took me up to a cabin in his hills, and left me to die while tied to a pole.

That's what you call… progression.

And even though Cash and I have never been acquaintances, let alone friends, I am gonna marry his sister.

We are gonna be blood and the sooner we both get used to this idea, the better life will be.

And anyway, that whole mornin' was all leadin' up to a favor. I knew that for sure. He wanted me to do somethin', and that meant, I'd get somethin' in return.

See, I'm not a slow learner.

I get it.

So Cash explained his role in this club just north of Miles City. "I pay the dues and I show up three times a year to smile, drink a few ounces of free whiskey, and tip my hat at the good ol' boys."

The road leading up to this club doesn't have a name. It's made of dirt, and dust, and stones that clatter against the undercarriage of the truck. The club itself looks more like a massive mountain lodge than it has any right to out here in the breaks. Thick tree-trunk columns, timber siding, and a river stone skirting complement the massive trusses that frame every angle.

From this elevation, and visible from the parking lot, the Yellowstone River flows in the background.

Cash pulls into a portico and a valet dressed in camo comes up and opens his door, flashing a smile and a greeting.

I can't decide if the camo says 'hunter' or 'soldier'. Which might be the whole point.

I don't catch what they talk about, nor do I see the tip as I get out. Cash joins me, walking toward the already open front doors with the confidence of a man who has belonged in places like this his whole life.

The doorman, also in camo, greets him by name. Gives me a nod and a, "Good day, sir," as well.

We both take off our hats as we enter. And Cash says, "We're not gonna check 'em. We're not staying."

"Right," I say, laughin' a little. Whatever, man.

I don't get nervous, or nothin'. But I do look around as we walk through the entryway and go down a few steps to the bar. It's a big open room with a whole wall of windows showin' off the river.

Not the best season for this particular view. Fall is a time of death and the whole landscape looks it. But it's nice enough.

There are no tables in this main room, just small seating areas with wingback leather chairs accented in studs. They come in four colors—tan, brown, black, and red. Which presents a pleasant, inviting picture of old money.

Cash picks a set of chairs facing the door, not the river, and looks at his watch as we sit. "We've got twenty minutes still." Then he's talkin' to a waiter, still dressed in camo. "Two Eagle Rares, neat."

The waiter nods, and leaves.

"You know what you're gonna say?" Cash asks.