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“We'll practice on stage tomorrow in front of the small crowd.”
A small crowd, that much I’d been doing. Shuddering my head automatically, I said, “I’ll think about it.”
Kingpin’s voice boomed. “You won’t think about it. This is the next step. You’ll never be ready if you keep waiting.”
“I don’t know.”
“Ain’t that the goal? Ain’t that the point of all this? You being able to perform?”
I had half a mind to ask him to promote Hallow to an officer if he wanted me to perform so badly. Shrugging my shoulders, I couldn't muster the courage to bargain for my fiancé. I didn't know if Kingpin really wanted me on stage or if this was just a favor to us as well. Because I agreed to this shit, Kingpin already took care of all Hallow’s medical bills, tying him even more to the club. Prez knew, more than anybody, the measly amount of money Hallow made as a member and nothing else.
He also knew that my fiancé was in hiding. He couldn't just go get a regular job like everyone else. When Hallow came to the Nashville chapter, he had high hopes of becoming an officer immediately, especially with his background in law enforcement, but he quickly found out how much Kingpin didn’t trust the police. Not just that, Prez didn’t trust them because his no-good father had been a cop.
Kingpin took the misgivings written on my face as nerves about singing. “It'll be okay. You're going to be a star. Hell, you'll be better than Dimple.” He spoke of our Elvis impersonator who was a member.
“I’d hope so.” Nothing against Dimple, but he was the fat, drug laden Elvis if anything.
“Could be better than Bubba.”
“Is that why you're helping me, Kingpin? So, I can take down your brother, the great Beau Strick.”
Kingpin took a seat in the middle of his couch and put his feet up on the coffee table. He stretched both arms along the couch so I couldn’t take a seat. I wouldn’t sit beside him anyhow.
“Wouldn’t it be grand if you did?”
“Really? I don’t think I’ll be up against him at the CMA’s anytime soon.”
“No. But somebody has to keep the crowd coming around here with our fights paused. Besides, you need this. You're getting paid. You'll be able to afford that honeymoon that you want with that detective of yours.”
Prez rarely used Hallow’s name. And he did pay me well for my performances even though they were few and far between. I knew he had high hopes that I’d bring in a much larger crowd, and that I’d be able to perform almost every night soon. I wanted that too. Hallow and I needed the money that a full-time job brought, even though my fiancé didn’t seem to think so. And with me being late, we were about to need even more money. I didn't know if this biker and high rolling crowd at Royal Road would want to come and see a pregnant lady belting out a tune. I’d have to act soon if I wanted to bargain and Prez to promote Hallow. Wringing my hands, I tried to work up the courage. My mouth opened and shut a few times.
Kingpin made a funny face. “If you’re worried about money, Eve, don’t worry. I can pay an advance.”
“No,” I said, quick. I didn’t need to owe him more than I did.
“Beau… speaking of Bubba. He wants to shoot his video here.”
“You’re going to allow that?” Everyone knew how much Kingpin hated his brother. And even normal guests weren’t allowed to film inside the clubhouse.
“You could sing during the after party. It pays better than I do. Plus, they’ll be industry people around,” he offered.
Instantly, I felt his kindness had to be a trick. “Maybe I’ll get discovered and can leave Royal Road for good,” I spat.
“Wouldn’t be the first time someone here hit it big and left. Just don’t forget us when you leave with my brother,” he joked. “We’ll clear the clubhouse out of course. Take down anything that would give away the location to the public. What do you think? With Bubba’s money we could rebuild the arena right away.”
“Why are you asking me?” I sounded almost as perplexed as I was.
“It’d bring your man home. I need him as a fighter, not in Texas. You’ve got to be getting lonely.”
“Keep your nose out of our business,” I sneered, but as far as I knew Hallow was cleaning up some loose ends in Arkansas.
“I’m just trying to make chicken salad out of chicken shit. I want you on stage, Eve. Not that I’d throw you out of my bed, but it’s quite crowded already.”
“Three too much for you?” I knew besides Memphis and Junebug, he dated a redheaded woman. Them being blonde, brunette, and ginger, he nearly had a whole set.
“I ain’t as young as I used to be,” Kingpin said, cracking his arms.
I closed my eyes, so I didn’t notice how nice his body was for his age. “When I met you, you were at an orgy.”
