“No.” He glances at the door again. “Shadow’s been making noise about pushing into New Jersey territory.”

“What? Why?” The Vipers MC run most of New Jersey and, up until two years ago, ran a small portion of New York. Until my charter put them down and took over their territory. Vipers are all the bad stereotypes about MCs rolled into one club and I’m not eager to tangle with them again unless it’s absolutely necessary.

“He thinks we should dominate more territory. He’s been talking about going to DeLova to back us up.”

Jesus Christ, just what we need. Owing DeLova more favors. Sway’s an idiot sometimes, but I can’t believe he’d approve. “Where did Sway land on this issue?”

“He wanted no part of it. As long as Vipers stayed out of our territory, he wasn’t going to push into theirs.”

Well, thank fuck for that. “Good. So, what’s the problem?”

I already sense what’s coming.

“With Sway down, Shadow’s been starting this call to take over at least upper New Jersey.”

Funny how that happened. “That’s still an hour from here. We don’t have the numbers to hold that territory down.”

“Well, he’s been rumbling about it and I’m pretty sure he’s trying to pull support from some of the newer members who don’t know any better.”

Sure, newer members might not understand all the nuances or things involved with dominating a territory. Especially if they didn’t prospect long enough. Things like which politicians and law enforcement are receptive to bribes, what other crews might work in the area, and business potential. A whole host of things that don’t sound as fun as ‘kill rival bikers’ and ‘blow shit up’ to a newer member who doesn’t remember the days of serious anarchy, bloodshed, and chaos.

“Where’s Steer?”

“He’s a hard fuck no. Jigsaw, Hustle, Grip, Suds, they’re all full-stop against expansion.”

“All right. Good.” I give him a pointed look. “I assume you’re also a hard no?”

“Damn right. Using Sway’s shooting as a way to get around his orders ain’t right. Besides that, we don’t need the hassle. I know the shit you guys went through getting rid of the Vipers up in your area. No need to swat at that wasp’s nest unless it comes at us first.”

“Good. Who do I need to worry about?”

“Smoke. Old fuck misses the ‘glory days’ of being able to shoot people in broad daylight and plant car bombs.”

“He miss prison too?”

“Apparently.”

Pinching the bridge of my nose, I sit and stare at the papers on the desk, not really seeing anything. “I’ll address it today.”

Rooster shifts and meets my eyes. “Cut him off at the knees before he gathers more support.”

That’s exactly what I plan to do.

Chapter Seven

Z