Page 17 of Goose

I lowered the sheet of paper. “Out of respect to him, and to me, will you let me finish it?”

He exhaled a long breath. “Fine.”

“Brother Goose,

If you’re reading this, I’ve moved on. Kinda weird thinking about it, but probably not as weird as you’re thinking it is.

Believe it or not, I’m pretty fucking comfortable with the thought of death. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not looking forward to it or anything.

But, I know I’ll be okay when the time comes.

I’m writing this wondering how old you’re going to be when you’re reading it. Forty? Fifty? Seventy? Hell, who knows. Guess it doesn’t matter. Just one of those things I’ll wonder about until the day comes.

On to the shit that matters.

I didn’t leave each of the fellas a letter because I felt like it’d make this one less meaningful.

I thought about it for some time and came up with this logic: Tito’s got his mother, Reno’s got his family in Texas, Baker’s got Andy, Cash has got Kim, and you’ve got no one.

I always looked at you as the club’s voice of reason, and if I never made myself clear, I’d like to do so now.

I appreciate you, Brother. I appreciate all the fellas, but when times were tough for me, you guided me through them. You did it for everyone in the club. It’s a debt I can never repay, but I’ll do my best while I remain forever grateful.

Tito’s got his little shack, and he loves that place. Baker and Andy have the three-story office building, and I can’t ever see them leaving. Cash has got his place in Point Loma with Kim, and Reno has his place in National City.

I know you love that place of yours, but I’m leaving you the house on the beach. Make use of it and have your cook-outs there. I know the fellas will enjoy hanging out there, and when they do, there’ll always be a part of me right there with all of you.

Abby was a neat freak, and she’d die (again) if that place became a mess. I know your anal-retentive ass won’t let that happen. Abby and I shared our best of times in that home. I hope whoever’s left of the group can create some new memories there.

Flower pots on that roof deck will really set it off, and you’ll get all day sun up there. You can plant your flowers that need afternoon shade out on the back lot. The yard’s not as deep as the one you’ve got, but it’ll surely suit you well. The sunsets on the beach will make up for the shortcomings in yard space.

If you don’t like the place, I guess that’s tough shit, Brother. Selling it isn’t an option. The paperwork the silver-haired fella has for you will explain all of that.

I thought about what to do with my money for a long time. I want to make sure it’s enjoyed. I decided if I left it to Tito, he would sit on it until he died, and it would just go to whoever he married or his kids. Cash would blow it, because that’s what he does with money. Reno doesn’t have an ounce of common sense. We’ve all seen the news stories about the hillbillies that win the lottery and end up broke and strung out on dope in twelve months. Well, that’s Brother Reno. His gambling problem doesn’t help matters, either.

I was left with Baker and you. Baker would give it all away, because that’s what Baker does with his money.

You always loved making the world a more beautiful place. As most of the money was inherited from Abby, and Abby enjoyed beautiful things (flowers included) you made the most logical sense to inherit my fortune. Well, half of it, anyway. So, that’s what you’ll get. Half of whatever I’ve got at the time I die. Right now, that’s a pretty good chunk of money.

Just in case you’re wondering, the other half is going to George, at the diner. If he’s passed on, the entire sum is scheduled to go to you.

Speaking of George, I’ll need a favor from you. It’s written into the will, so there’s no getting around it.

I left Eleanor to George. No sense in the five of you fighting over her, and George took a liking to her the moment he saw her the first time.

You never cared much for cages anyway.

But guess what, “Gordon”?

You’ve got to deliver her to him.

Enjoy the drive, Brother.

(Imagine me laughing so hard I can barely write, because that’s what’s happening right now)

Keep the X5M in the garage, and use it as needed to get you fuckers around on your jobs. That fucker is nimble, fast, and will haul anything you need to without fail. I can’t decide which of you will become the driver, because there isn’t a one of you that can drive a car to save your ass.

I’m sure you’ll figure something out. If you happen to get another driver, have them make the X5M their own. Becoming one with your getaway car is critical to succeeding.