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Jeremy looks at me, and I can see he visibly deflates. Dime continues to give Jeremy murderous looks, and Dylon is standing tense with his fists clenched.

“This dick seems to think that we will work more hours than we are already. We are putting in a seventy-hour week, and Pres we are fucked. We need time out and proper rest. We are not going to get things done any faster, in fact, we are slowing down and risking accidents through exhaustion,” Dime stops himself from snarling, but I can see he is on edge.

“Okay, you all put down tools and have two days resting. Then I want to see you in my office, all six of you. Go,” I state firmly, showing they have no say in what is happening.

Jeremy, Cap, and I watch the six of them collect tools and head to the clubhouse. Anyone can see that they are tired. They have slumped shoulders, heads down, and are nearly dragging their feet as they walk.

Turning to Jeremy, I look him right in the eye. “The six of them will work away from you from this point, Jeremy. You can continue with your team working on the gym, sauna, and pool. But for the housing, you are done. The six of them are prospects for the Restless Demons MC and are under my command. They know what they are doing, and they can do it without you standing over them.”

“Fuck’s sake, Tracker. I’ve had your men on my back to hurry their homes being built. This is due to them, not me…”

“You are the construction boss, and you had the right to tell them to back the fuck off because they won’t get built faster. That is your issue and not the club's or the brothers'. Now, you can, as I just said continue with the clubhouse builds, but housing now is mine.” I don’t speak again, I walk away knowing that I needed to do that sooner, but I didn’t want to take work away from Jeremy and his business. I didn’t want to see my prospects run into the ground either.

Walking into the common room, the six are sitting at the bar. They are drinking coffee and not alcohol, which I admit impresses me.

“Pres, can we speak to you now?” Dime asks, and I flick my head for them to follow me to my office.

Once in the office, Cap closes the door and stands near the window. I take my seat and the six stand in front of my desk as though they are being court-martialed.

“Okay, I’ve finished Jeremy as construction boss for the housing on the compound. You, Dime, are now the crew manager. All of you are to get the houses built, it’s your responsibility, you answer to Dime first, then to me if needed. You can speak to Books, Coin, or Keys about anything that you need. You know what you are doing, get on with it.” They are looking at me with shock on their faces. I don’t give them time to question it, I snap out, “Dismissed!”

Cap chuckles. “Nice one, Pres. They’ll get organized and work harder knowing they are doing things the way they want and need to. Jeremy is a good man, a fuckin’ good contractor, and he’s still working on the clubhouse. We can use him in the future if we want or need to.” Snorting a laugh, Cap continues, “Did you see the look on Dime’s face when you made him the crew’s boss. He forgot that was coming. It was fuckin’ hilarious.”

“I saw, but he snapped into it quickly as I expected. Now, any news from the cops on the noise we made when we were attacked?” I ask, knowing that we have a deputy who wants to cause issues for us if he can.

“Oh, it seems there is no action to be held, as there is no evidence of anything wrong. We got cleaned up fast Pres, and the pit is super-efficient since Aspen had us dig it out and redo it. The cover went over and nobody even knows it is there.” Cap takes a seat and gives a smug look.

“Okay, so we can forget the law and any issues. Any news on that double-wide you heard about?”

“Yes. I’m in a wrangle over the cost at the moment. I’m thinking they want more than it’s worth.”

I frown, “It’s new, isn’t it?”

“Yeah, but they want a specific amount, then adding a chunk on to transport it to Demon’s Rest.”

Shrugging because I don’t see the issue. “So? What is wrong with that? They want the cost of the double-wide and transporting it, and setting it up. We’d have to pay anyone to do that, Cap.”

“We are trying to get the cost down…”

“Give up, Cap. Let’s get the place purchased and get Jay and Tripp into it. It’s a good double-wide. It has three bedrooms, a kitchen with a dining area, a living room, a small laundry room, and a bathroom with a large bath and shower. Get it purchased, get it delivered, and get it set up. In fact, leave it and I’ll get Miri onto it.”

Cap splutters a minute but knows better than arguing with me when he can see I have made up my mind. “I’ll speak to Miri, Pres.” I watch Cap stomp out of the office and grin to myself at the fact I'd rattled him.

Two hours later, Miri walks into my office. “Hi, Tracker. I’ve spoken with the people who are selling the double-wide. I gave them the full cost of the purchase, but they are delivering with no extra cost. I think I upset Cap somehow.”

Chuckling because I can imagine why Cap is pissed. “Don’t worry about Cap, he’s a moody asshole. You did great, Miri. When are they delivering?”

“Next week, and they are aiming for Wednesday. I told them I want it set up and working efficiently by the weekend of that week. I spoke to Dime who Cap tells me is now confirmed as our new construction boss. He’s going to make sure all the water, and you know all the things that are needed are in place. He’s spoken with the sellers already. I’m not getting involved in all that, Tracker. It’s not my thing.” Miri gives me a bright smile, and you know, I can’t help but give her a small smile in return. “Oh, did you see Finger is teaching Ayla to clap her hands? I also heard you wanted to win, so how about you teach her to blow kisses?”

I jump to my feet and rush out of the office, heading to get Ayla. If Finger thinks he’s getting the better of me, he has to think again. Entering the common room, Finger has Ayla sitting on the bar with his arms around her. I rush over hold my arms out, and my little cutie holds her arms out for me to pick her up. I do just that and carry her out of the common room. I’m taking her home, and she’s going to learn to blow kisses.

“Pres! Pres! Where are you taking her?” Finger shouts, but I throw him the finger over my shoulder and keep walking. Ayla is giggling, and I kiss the top of her head as I dash home.

Chapter 31

MIRI

After two discussions with Joker and Tracker, we decided that Geri wouldn’t have a conventional funeral. My life has moved on already, and the feelings I had for Geri when we were young won’t change because of the memories I hold. But the person she became is not someone I would want to associate with, and my feelings for that person are nonexistent. That is how I ended up standing here at the top of the compound of the Restless Demons MC with an urn in my hand and Tracker, who is ordained apparently, saying a few words. By few, I mean hardly any.