Page 325 of Devil’s Disciples

“I don’t know what I can say that hasn’t already been said.” I chuckled a false laugh, almost bringing myself to tears in the process. “But I’ll do my best.”

I gripped the sides of the lectern and focused on the pale-skinned beauty. “Upon receiving the guidance of someone who loved him unconditionally, Porter Reeves found faith late in life. Nonetheless, the faith he possessed was heartfelt, and genuine.”

She clasped her hands together. The corners of her mouth turned upward, just enough to notice. The words came easier than I expected.

“He left this earth early, leaving behind five loving brothers, countless friends, and many other lives touched by his simple smile, an act of kindness, or the lending of a helping hand. He may be gone, but the memories left in his life’s wake will be forever etched into our minds.”

I alternated glances between the faces of those who were seated before me. “He was that type of person. A man, who through his words or his actions, left a lasting impression with each of us. When he exited the room, an undeniable void remained. One that could only be filled when we were graced by his presence once again.”

“I, like many of you, will wander this earth for my remaining days with a cavity in my heart. A void, if you will, created by Porter’s absence. His presence will be missed, but his memories will live in my mind’s eye forever.”

I clenched my fists and gazed at the ceiling.

I love you, my brother.

Lost in the recollection of a funeral I’d attended mere months before, I shuffled to my seat. One by one, the remaining members of the club took their position in front of the crowd, each offering a respectful tribute to our brother.

I heard little of what was presented, choosing to mentally place myself on a ride along the PCH with the ocean at my side for as far as the eye could see.

“Come on, Brother.” Baker tapped me on the shoulder and pointed toward the aisle. “Let us out.”

My eyes came into focus. In a mind-numbing daze, I stood and stepped aside. The remaining members of our club filed past me and into the aisle. I gazed blankly at the throngs of saddened souls as they made their way to the exit. They’d return to their respective lives before the sun set.

I wondered if a day would come when I could do the same.

Someone brushed against me. A wisp of jasmine tickled my senses. I lifted my head and scanned the departing crowd, hoping for a glimpse of the blue-eyed beauty.

I stopped on the church’s stoop beside my remaining brothers. The sweet smell of a winter rain shower lingered. I searched the crowd. Disappointed that I couldn’t find her, I reached in my jacket pocket for the keys to my only hope of salvation. I desperately needed a ride along the coast.

Instead of keys, the tips of my fingers found delicate lace. Befuddled, I pulled the material from my pocket.

A pair of red lace panties dangled from my fingertips.

Cash coughed out a laugh. “Knock off a piece of ass before you came?”

Intently searching through the sea of those in mourning, I paid little attention to his comment. I hadn’t been with another woman since my divorce. Other than me, the only one who knew about my near celibate status was Ghost.

I had no desire to share my lack of sexual promiscuity with the rest of the club, especially Cash.

“Yeah,” I muttered. “Banged a little hottie I met in the bar.”

I shoved the panties into my pocket and shook my head in disbelief. I may have been confused, but I wasn’t crazy. My fling with the pouty-lipped beauty was nothing more than a daydream.

Finding the pantyless Cinderella would now become priority number one.

Determining whether or not she could live up to my dreams would be number two.

118

Goose

He stood and gestured to the chair opposite his desk. “You’re a hard man to reach, Mister Pearce.”

I gave a half-hearted apologetic smile. “My apologies, counselor. I don’t answer phone numbers I don’t recognize.”

“I must apologize as well.” He sat down and raked his fingers through his silver hair. “I learned of Mister Reeves passing rather late.”

“No worries. I’ve been busy planning the funeral.”