Parson rose and angled toward Dread. “Can we talk in private?” 

“Sure I won’t be taking up too much of your time?” After everyone filed out, Dread leaned until their noses touched. “Do that shit again, your nuts will hurt for a week when I finish twisting them.” 

“I think I know where Cat Woods is staying.” 

“Shit. That’s why you left the meet yesterday?” 

“Yeah. After what I said, I thought Gatlin might make a beeline for Cat. I used Lang’s car, which made following him easier. Gatlin went to Hilton’s Spark hotel on Uwchlan Avenue in Lionville and he was inside for a long time.” 

“Jesus, Lionville? He’s in Langston’s backyard.” 

“Dread, I gotta handle this.” 

Dread scrutinized Parson. “He’s outside of Coatesville and hasn’t really done anything yet.” 

“Yet! And I’m not waiting until he does.” 

“You’re right. You need help, I’m here, and you know Terror will come running. Give him a call.” 

“I need to do this.” Parson nibbled a fingernail. “After hearing what Gatlin and Blacksmith argued about, I’m considering reaching out to Blacksmith.” 

“I can talk to the Immoral Sinners’ pres, Nox. He’s a good guy who’s been saddled with a bunch of degenerates like Gatlin.” 

“You don’t think I can handle Blacksmith?” 

“Fuck’s sake, you threatened to kill him when he riled up Langston.” 

“Dread, if it were Marvin, I know what you would do.” 

“Motherfucker.” The VP scowled at Parson. “Any shit reaches the Devils’ doorstep you do know you’ll have to deal with me.” 

“You know me better than that.” 

“After what transpired in the meeting just now, I’m not so sure. Where is the Parson who never sweats anything?” 

“It’s Langston, man. I need to keep that motherfucker away from him.” 

“Maybe you need to wonder why Lang makes you so volatile.” Dread pounded the table with his fist. “Fuck, I should have killed Woods the day I took his patch.” He walked to stare out the window. “Parson, Langston is not like Marv. He already doesn’t like or understand bikers.” A minute passed before he turned to face Parson. “He’ll hate you forever if he finds out.” 

This is me not bringing it home. Those words burned a blistering path through Pars’ mind as he responded. “This stays between us.” 

“When we can’t trust our brothers, who can we trust?” 

“It’s not like that. I just don’t want anyone to inadvertently make an offhand 

remark that might upset Langston.” Parson stared at Dread. “I’ll do whatever it takes to keep what I’m going to do from Langston.” 

“I see.” Sighing, Dread said, “You have my blessing.”