Page 171 of Healed

“Fine by me.”

“Monster?”

“Sure, brother.”

“James?”

“Yes.”

“Liam?”

“Yes.”

“Greg?”

“Aye.”

“Rooster?”

“No.”

“Chicken?”

“Yes.”

“Tools?”

“Yes.”

“Sunshine?”

“Yes.”

“Pivot, you’re our last remaining prospect. We’re going to give you the opportunity to vote—though it’s already unanimous, but this feels like something you have every right to weigh in on. You were the closest to him.”

“I think it’s the right thing to do for Mike,” Pivot nodded, looking at the empty seat next to him.

“Then we’re in agreement,” I said, banging down the gavel. “Riley, can you make arrangements?”

“It will be done before the next meeting,” he nodded.

“Grand.”

I handed the gavel back to Dante, shooting Rooster a nasty glance as I did so.

“As I’m sure you’ve heard, Nico has been spotted in the city numerous times now. I already know all of our leads have led nowhere. So I’m just here to tell you all to remain cautious. Continue as normal, don’t give him any reason to suspect anything, but remain extra vigilant. You are to be armed at all times—no exceptions. I don’t care if you’re visiting granny and she is scared of guns. Tell Granny to look away or maybe don’t visit for now. It’s as simple as that. You are to travel in twos. I don’t want anyone alone outside of this compound. Any breakage of these rules will be dealt with swiftly and violently. This is non-negotiable.”

The table nodded silently, all of us contemplating what this meant.

“I don’t throw my weight around lightly, brothers. You know this. But if it means we don’t lose another member, then that’s what I’ll do. We don’t know what Nico knows or doesn’t know. I suggest you all check in with your loved ones daily. Mend the bridges, let go of grudges. Pick up any family drama after this has been dealt with. Understood?”

We muttered our agreement.

“Last order of business—under no circumstances are you to share any of this with your old ladies. Including mine. I am well aware that we have grown slack with this rule over the years—and I don’t think either of us mind. It’s nice having them work with us and not just be background noise. I like them having a voice. But this is to be kept secret. I don’t want them spooked, and I do not want them doubting our ability to keep them safe. I also don’t want any rumours or gossip flying about. We speak in facts in Church, and nothing else. I don’t want any muddying of the waters, so to speak. Understood?”

“So what do we tell them?” Chicken asked.

“You can tell them this meeting was about Nico. That’s all they need to know. Unfortunately, it may mean putting your foot down and dismissing them. Let them be angry. When all is said and done, and Nico has been dealt with, then you may explain. Until then, we can all sleep in the doghouse and make do with it.”