“Motherfucker,” Bishop muttered.
The knowledge of what Sigel intended sent jagged pain through my chest the same as if he were standing over me and stabbing me. The calculating bastard was fucking with me from a distance, just waiting until the time was right to strike. “If Sigel’s truly using Willow to get to me, it could be months, even a year, before he and the Knights come at us.” I glanced around the table at my brothers. “The more time that passes, the more I can get attached to Willow. Then the greater the revenge.”
“Sigel has never struck me as a patient guy. He bided enough time waiting to get to you when he was in jail,” Mac argued.
“But he didn’t know about Willow then,” I replied.
“I don’t think he intends to stop with her,” Rev said.
I jerked my chin in agreement. “No. I’m sure after what I did, he won’t be satisfied until he puts me in the ground.”
“These aren’t some racist upstarts anymore. My informant says that the Knights have been stockpiling weapons. To help the prosecutor, the Feds have been allowing the purchases,” Case said.
“So what do we do? Smoke them before they can smoke us?” Bishop questioned.
Mac shook his head. “With the Feds breathing down the Knights’ necks, we’d be offering ourselves up on a silver platter. Any way we could fuck them up is just going to fuck us over worse in the end.”
“If we’re supposed to be worried about the Feds, then that would mean the Knights would have to be, too. I don’t see Sigel giving two shits about jail time. When it comes to revenge, he’ll take the risk,” Boone argued.
“As long as Sigel breathes, both Willow and Deacon are in danger.” Surprisingly, it was Rev who’d spoken. The implication of his words was clear, which went against his usually nonviolent nature. But when it came to the lives of his brother and beloved niece, Rev wouldn’t hesitate to break a commandment.
Lacing my fingers behind my head, I countered, “While I’m inclined to agree with you, Rev, we can’t just play into his hand. He knows once word gets around that he’s out, I’ll be on edge, waiting for him to come after me for what I did to his son. He’s banking on the fact that Willow hasn’t talked or that I have no idea he’s tied to Lacey. He’s getting his rocks off on this little game he’s playing.”
We all glanced anxiously at Case, who continued stroking his beard in thought. “I say that for appearances, we play it cool—no going in after Sigel with guns blazing. But I want us to reach out to each and every one of our allies for added protection as well as any shit they can get us on the Knights. If we’re lucky, the Feds will take the fuckers out long before we have to act. Sigel is one conviction away from life. If the right side of the law can put him away, we’ll ensure he dies once he’s inside.”
“That addresses Sigel and the Knights, but what about Willow and Deacon?” Rev questioned.
I threw up one of my hands. “What about us?”
Ignoring me, Rev stared straight at Case. “I think Deacon should have an escort at all times he’s outside the compound.”
I groaned. “Come on, man. You’re acting like I’m a marked man.”
“You are,” he growled.
“With our cuts, we’re all marked men every moment of the day,” I countered.
Slamming his fist down on the table, Case barked, “That’s enough.” Rev and I both eased back in our chairs. “I agree with Rev. Until we can get a better handle on all this, you’re not to leave the compound without an escort.” Before I could protest, Case swept up his gavel and then banged it. “Meeting is adjourned.”
When I started to rise out of my chair, Case shook his head. “You stay.”
I knew the other guys were just as surprised as I was by his request. Reluctantly, I let my ass fall back in the seat. After the rest of the guys filed out of the room, I glanced expectantly at Case. “What’s eating at you now, Prez?”
“I’m worried about this teacher.”
My brows shot up in surprise. “With all the shit going on with the Knights, you’re thinking about her?” When Case nodded, I asked, “You worried for her or for the club’s safety?”
The flame from Case’s lighter illuminated his face as he lit his pipe. After taking a few puffs, he replied, “She’s an outsider.”
“Yes, I’m aware of her status,” I replied, digging in my pocket for my own smokes.
“Just having her here in the clubhouse or at your house is trouble waiting to happen.”
I hastily lit a cigarette. As I inhaled sharply, I let the sweet nicotine sting fill my senses. “She’s more trouble if we keep her out.”
“I know. That’s the only reason why I’m letting her in here. But my issue with her isn’t just the fact that she could bring CPS sniffing around in here.”
“What is it, then?”
He slid a manila folder over to me. “I had someone look into her background.”
“Is it that serious?” I asked, flipping the folder open.
“If you consider the fact her uncle is a retired state trooper.”
I grimaced as I glanced over the papers regarding Alexandra’s life. Of all the teachers I could have had snooping around, I had to have one who was tied to the law. And this uncle wasn’t just someone she saw on the holidays. He had become her guardian when she was seventeen and her parents died in a car accident.