AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“Maddie. Brother,” Bubba tipped his hat. “What do you think?”
“It’s a helicopter,” I said.
Bubba smiled. “It’s not just a helicopter. I bought it. I figured why not do something big for this video.”
I talked out of the side of my mouth. “How’s a helicopter go with the song, “Bikes, Beers and Babes?”
“I’m not shooting that one. That one’s going to be shot at Royal Road, remember?”
“I figured you’d changed your mind.”
My brother laid it on thick for Maddie. “Water under the bridge, man. Of course, you and Maddie should catch up. I can be the better man and understand she needs to explore what you all once had before she dates me.”
“How mature of you,” I remarked.
“Maddie, how would you two like to stay and be part of the video?”
Maddie perked up. “What do you say, Kingpin?”
My brother knew I wouldn’t want to be on camera. I had too many enemies for shit like that. “We have plans,” I started.
My brother went on, “Maddie, how about you? Want a helicopter ride?”
Before she could answer, I told her, “Go ahead. Stay. Be a part of the video.”
“Really? It won’t bother you?”
“Not at all,” I lied, trying to be the bigger man.
“Kingpin, you’re the best.” My brother was a piece of shit.
Maddie was pleased. “Really, you don’t know what this means to me. I’m trying to break into a new career. I’ve written a few songs, but Beau thinks I could do more. I could act or sing backup.”
“Then you should. My brother knows all about breaking into the music business. About fame and fortune.”
Someone called Bubba over. “Meet me by the trailer. They’ll get you into hair and makeup.” He walked away leaving Maddie and I alone.
“Thanks, Kingpin. I’m surprised you’re okay with this.”
“Like I told you earlier, you two caught me off guard last night. I’m not some crazy biker. I trust you. That you’re seriously going to give us a chance.”
Maddie smiled at me and leaned over to kiss my cheek. “Oh, you’ll need my number so we can figure out when we can resume our date.”
I handed her my phone to put it in. I wanted to suggest tonight, but I had church. “Tomorrow?”
“I actually made plans with Beau already. He’s pressing his hands in concrete on account of his award. Since I went to the CMA’s with him, I kind of have to or the press will dig deeper.”
“Monday then?”
“Maybe Monday night. I have work, but I’ll come over to Royal Road. We’ll pick up where we left off.”
Later that night at Church, I told my men, “Brother’s, we’re going to war. Not with Mr. Fond or the Getty’s. Not with the Asphalt Gods in Arkansas. With my brother, Bubba.”
Leviathan scowled. He was back and as angry as ever. Standing at six foot four, massive guy had been an Olympic swimmer back in the day. Was still built like it. Had tentacles tattooed all over, running up his bald head even. Never liked that I named him Leviathan. Said a leviathan was a dragon not a sea monster. I begged to differ. I sure as hell wasn’t going to call him the Kraken. Biker had to be named after some monster as vile as he was. The fact his real name was Levi won out. He complained, “I’m fixin to kill the four men who murdered my sister, whether y’all help or not.”
“All in good time, brother. We’ll wipe out the Gods who killed her.” I didn’t want to even say his sister’s name, knowing he’d just go into a rage. “No one said we wouldn’t. How are we supposed to kill anyone while you’re off playing nomad? For the gods we need a plan. You’ve not given me your plan.”
“Fuck plans,” Leviathan spat. Pagan agreed with him with a fist bump and an evil grin. Two peas in a pod.
