I must have fallen asleep in the car on the way to the pharmacy, because next thing I knew, Chibs was opening the driver's side door with a white bag and some paperwork. I watched as he sat down and handed me the paper.
"Alright. Take one every morning with something to drink. The doctor said ya can take one now and start regularly tomorrow. No alcohol, o' course," he said.
I nodded and reached into the bag, producing an orange bottle of pills and reading the label. Chibs reached into the backseat and handed me a bottle of water he had packed with the puke bucket, which thankfully, I hadn't needed. Maybe I was finally empty.
"Hope these work," I said, taking the water and opening the 'script bottle.
"Aye," Chibs agreed as he put his seatbelt on.
I smirked and cut my eyes at him as I tapped a pill into the cap.
"What?" I asked, "Sick of hearing me puke?"
Chibs smiled and put the car in gear.
"Just hate seein' ya so miserable," he replied.
I smiled and popped a pill before downing the water and hoping to God I didn't gag. Thankfully, I felt fine. I remained still, keeping my stomach settled as Chibs pulled out of the parking lot and head towards TM. Tonight was his birthday party, but we also had church. I hadn't attended church in weeks. It felt like a year. I missed it. Missed discussing new plans, like Chibs' new expansion plans, and sorely missed my bike. Chibs reached into the back seat as we arrived at a stoplight and handed me a garment I had not seen in months. My cut.
I smiled, thanking him as I took it and held it in my lap, admiring the new additions to the leather. One night, as I rested on the couch, watching children's Thanksgiving specials and laying my head in Chibs' lap, feeling exhausted, while stitched on my newest patches to my cut. I had been awarded two new patches, which were to be worn over my right breast pocket. They were both unique to me—patches Chibs had invented and had been approved by Tig. The first was one that was mainly for show…well, showing off, that is. It was the very first First Lady patch. I was the first Old Lady in the club, and since I was married to the President, Chibs thought a specific patch was in order. In my opinion, I didn't deserve a specific role yet. I was just a soldier. However, after past events, Chibs, as well as the rest of my brothers, thought I deserved one. Chibs wanted to promote me to be a second Sergeant at Arms, and even though Happy was okay with the idea, I didn't want to steal his thunder or force him to share. But Chibs knew how protective I was over him. How I proved I would take a bullet for him. That was the role of the Sergeant at Arms—protection of the President. Chibs dubbed the role of First Lady to be similar. To protect and defend him. Patch or not, I would have done that anyway, but I was more than honored to wear the new patch and fulfill that role.
My next new patch was not entirely new to the club, but it had been adjusted for me. Tig and I had been awarded the new patch after spilling blood and going above and beyond for the club. Tig received a Men of Mayhem patch, and me, an Angel of Mayhem patch. After saving Chibs from the rogue and now extinct Indian Hills charter and the last of the evil that had followed me to Charming, riding dangerously and jumping off a stack of gun cases, knowing I was risking more than one life to save him, I earned my Mayhem patch. Chibs also had one more thing for me to wear on my cut. Apparently, my dive from the cases and smashing a hammer into Gaines' head had thoroughly impressed him, and now, pinned beside my Redwood Original patches, was his ball peen hammer pin. It was my new favorite, and it felt complete having a pin from Tig, and now a pin from my Old Man.
I pulled the leather over my shoulders and adjusted it.
"Pretty soon, this won't fit anymore," I said.
Chibs chuckled.
"Don't think the leather shop has a maternity line, love," he said teasingly.
I smiled and reached down to rub my stomach, the contents—or lack of, feeling settled for the first time in weeks. I leaned back to see the slight swell Chibs had pointed out this morning, the doctor's words echoing in my mind.
"I can't believe you were right," I sighed.
Chibs glanced over at me.
"About the bump? I told ya. Doc said by next week, you'll definitely notice a difference," he replied.
I leaned my head back.
"I'm going to be huge!" I groaned.
Chibs laughed and reached over to take my hand.
"Nah," he said.
I rolled my eyes and stared at him, smirking.
"I'll be a planet," I said lowly.
Chibs snorted and tried not to laugh.
"You'll be fine."
I sighed and looked back out the window. Chibs squeezed my hand.
"Ya know no one's seen ya in a month," he said.
I shuddered.
"It hasn't been that long!"
"Okay, three weeks," he said, giving in.
I nodded in agreement.
"Definitely since the party for LBC," I replied.
In fact, I had only heard from Venus and Tig since the patch over party for our newest charter, Sons of Anarchy of Long Beach, California, or just LBC. After that night, my morning sickness had kept me confined to the bathroom or bedroom for weeks. There were a few days here and there where I would nibble, keep it down, but still feel too weak to do much. I would watch TV, play on the new laptop I bought for Chibs so he wouldn't be tempted to put bullets in the ancient piece of technology he used to have, and on a very good day would play with Harley in the floor and help Chibs rebuild the Dyna, which had been all but destroyed in the wreck. Today was my first day I had been out of the house. I was happy to be out of it, functioning like I had used to, and I wanted to participate in church and see my brothers again.
"I know they all missed ya," Chibs said softly.
I smiled.
"I missed them, too."
"Aye. They'll be glad to see ya feelin' better," he agreed.
I nodded.
"Maybe if I'm feeling up to it by tonight, I can join you on that ride?" I proposed.
Chibs' tune changed and he shot me a deadly serious look.
"No," he said bluntly.
I grunted in protest.
"But—"
"Callie, I don't want ya ridin'. You're too weak and if ya lay that bike down and get hurt…When you're stronger and ya feel up to it, then yes. Just not while you've been sick," he replied.
I sighed. He had a point. I really doubted I had the strength to hold the Sportster up, but I missed the road. Missed riding.
"Can I ride with you, then?" I asked.
Chibs looked at me, watching me in deep thought before breaking a smile.
"'Course ya can, sweetheart. Only if you're really feelin' up to it. Don't want ya forcin' yourself," he replied.
I smiled.
"I know ya miss ridin'," he said.
"Yeah," I agreed, "Might not have much of a window to ride if I'm already starting to show."
Chibs chuckled.
"When should we tell the news to the club?" he asked.
I smiled wickedly. Chibs' eyes widened. I had had an idea about that as we were leaving St. Thomas.
"We won't," I said.
Chibs' jaw dropped and he stared at me in surprise.
"Callie, they're gonna find out. Ya can't just suck it in," he said.
I burst out laughing.
"I wanna see how long we can get away with it. We can tell them the gender when we find out, but I want to see if we can get through the entire thing without anyone knowing," I replied.
Chibs just smiled and shook his head.
"We'll see, Callie girl," he said.
We pulled in to TM. Our brothers' bikes were lined up, missing the red Sportster and Chibs black Street Glide, but they would soon return. The garage seemed dead today, with only one car inside. Chibs parked opposite of the bikes beside a familiar red car, and killed the engine.
"Come on, love. Let's go in and check up on business. See how the new changes are workin' out," he said.
I slowly unbuckled and adjusted my clothes, feeling suddenly odd wearing a dumpy old t-shirt, sweats and my cut, but I could not be bothered to wear anything else.
"What new changes?" I asked suspiciously.
Chibs stood in the doorway, grinned and winked before closing the door. I smiled to myself and opened my door. Chibs stepped into the doorway and held his hand out for me. I looked up at him and took his hand, sliding to my feet.
"Easy, love," he said.
I stood steady, holding his hand as he reached into the floorboard for my bag. I offered to take it, but he refused, holding it out of my reach and smiling. I didn't argue, and he locked the car before I slipped an arm around his waist.
"Ever the gentlemen," I commented.
He chuckled.
"Tattoos and chivalry," he replied.
I laughed at that. This club looked terrifying, and we could be deadly, but there was a reason citizens of this town came to us before the cops. We'd do anything for Charming.
We walked across the compound and into the garage office to find Rane just entering, wearing a pair of worn coveralls, his last name stitched over his right breast pocket, and a black SAMCRO sock hat. Chucky was slipping a folder into one of the file cabinets, with to my surprise, Felix balancing on his hip. In the desk chair copying things into the computer was Brooke. Chibs stepped aside and hooked his shades around his neck.
"Mornin'," he said.
Everyone looked up and replied with their good mornings. Rane's face lit up as he set his coffee down.
"Holy shit! Look who's here!" he exclaimed.
I smiled up at the ridiculously tall man as he approached me and hugged me.
"Hi," I replied shyly.
Rane patted my back and took a step back.
"We missed ya, sis. How are ya?" he asked.
I shrugged.
"Better," I replied.
Brooke smiled at me.
"Morning sickness?" she asked.
I nodded. Chibs twirled the keyring of the car keys around his index finger.
"Yeah, it's been kickin' her ass. Jus' got back from the doctor," he explained.
Chucky frowned and maneuvered himself and the baby out from behind Brooke's chair.
"I hope everything's okay," he said nervously.
I smiled reassuringly.
"Everything's fine," I said.
Chucky smiled and nodded. Felix blubbered and smiled at me. I held my arms out and Chucky handed him to me.
"Good," he replied.
I smiled and balanced my nephew on my hip, kissing his forehead. Day by day, he was looking more and more like Brooke, but he had his daddy's eyes and mousy brown hair that could not decide where to part or point. I smoothed a hand over his hair.
"I missed you, bud," I said softly.
Felix just sucked his fingers and smiled.
Chibs reached over to kiss his nephew before gesturing to Brooke.
"As ya can see, Callie girl, I made an executive decision," he said.
I looked from Felix to him, and then Brooke. Brooke smiled shyly.
"Oh?" I asked.
"Chibs brought me in full time to help Fingers," she explained.
I looked from her to Chibs as he put his hands on his hips.
"Garage manager," he said.
I smiled and looked back to Brooke.
"What happened to the barista job?" I asked.
Brooke shook her head.
"It was exhausting. Especially with baby and a husband that's on the road all the time," she replied.
"Hey!" Chibs said defensively, smiling, "I keep him off the road as much as possible."
Felix started to get fussy. I pouted at him.
"Ah, come on. I've only gotten to hold you for a second and you're going to start in?" I asked him.
Felix looked like he was about to cry. Brooke stood from the chair.
"Yes," she said to Chibs, "And I want to thank you for making sure he comes home, Chibs."
She walked over to me and took the baby out of my arms.
"Always, darlin'," he replied.
Brooke smiled and her eyes flashed back to me.
"Chibs asked me if I would like to work here instead, and I agreed. Easier on me. I can have Felix with me and won't have to watch him because he has his uncles, his aunt, and old grumpy grandpa Tig," she said, looking down at her son as he began to cry.
I smiled and watched as she carried him to the couch where the carrier was.
"She's a lot of help, though," Chucky said.
I looked up at Chibs.
"Well, I'd say it was a good decision, boss," I said.
Chibs smiled. Definitely a smart idea, as he already hell with managing the job, and Brooke definitely needed the money and a job that would allow her access to Felix. I could tell the club had been making some changes to the garage, and I knew there was probably some changes to the clubhouse as well. In fact, many changes had happened during the past few weeks while I was down with morning sickness and Chibs was still rehabilitating his injured leg.
The Suzuki had not been touched since its last ride on the rescue mission, and soon, I had sold it to one of the boys from The Grim Bastards, putting the money back into the treasury. He was more than happy to have it, and I was more than happy to see it go. It had been fun, and I knew it was in good hands, but I had other plans in mind for my modes of transportation. The Suzuki wasn't the only things to go. The cars we had brought back from Los Angeles were sold, excluding the Challenger, and the money was split between The Mayans, The Bastards, Reno, and our newest charter, LBC. It was a thank-you for helping us and saving Chibs, which I could never thank any of them enough for.
Then, there was the matter of the rest of my car collection, not to mention, my late fiancé's collection and the house in L.A. I didn't need the cars, nor did I need or want the house, but I had a hard time letting go of Zero's cars. I sold my collection, again, splitting the money between our allies, close charters, and sending a portion of it to SAMDINO to help them rebuild. LBC helped take Zero's cars off of my hands. I sold all four of them their favorites from their dearly departed brother's collection, which I knew would always be taken care of and cherished. The rest of the cash was donated to a charity for the same heart condition that led to Zero's untimely death. I could have divided it further, but I knew this was how Z would have wanted it. The house was not an easy sell. I wracked in a heaping load, but since there had been a death in the house, the price was considerably lower than it should have been. Nevertheless, it sold, and at a price Chibs had a fit over. Not an angry fit. More along the lines of excited. His mouth watered over the amount of zeros on the check. The money from the house was for us, but not for our pleasure. It was for emergencies, and most importantly, for the twins. It would help us build a nursery, future house renovations, and cover the costs two babies could easily rack up.
Out of everything, there was still one item I could not bare to part with. I thought it would be best to sell it, seeing as it might become awkward for Chibs, but after a long talk, he talked me out of selling it. Zero's Street Glide. It was too sentimental for me to let go, not to mention valuable, and Chibs made it a point that I would forever regret selling it. It was the first bike he ever owned, his baby. The first bike I had ever ridden on—the one thing that made me fall in love with the MC world. I decided I would go ahead and bring it to Charming with me where it belonged, and had Milo from LBC drive it in, Gavin following him in in his car. I teared up when I saw it in motion again. Unlike Chibs' glide, which was entirely black and starting to show some wear on the fairing, Z's bike was ivory and rusty red with chrome accents, giving it a very vintage look. He had taken pride in it looking like it came from the 60's or 70's, and Chibs agreed it was a gorgeous color scheme. However, it was going to take some time at TM before either of us could ride it. I found I could one-foot the Glide, as it was a little lower than Chibs', but because Zero had been so tall, it would only fit someone like Rane or Milo well. Maybe Tig. I decided that it would be my second bike when or if I was unable to ride the Sportster. However, I would not dare try to take off with the heavy machine until my strength was back again. For now, I'd stick to driving. All of these changes had been big, but I felt none were as big as mine and Chibs' little secret.
Chibs put his arm around my waist. Brooke tried to calm Felix down with his bottle, which he took, but only for a moment.
"Nap time, little man," she said.
"VP's in the clubhouse," Rane said, "Venus, too, so beware, sis."
I smiled. I knew as soon as I entered, they would attack me.
"And don't go into the kitchen, Prez," he continued.
Chibs smiled.
"I'll try to resist," he replied over Felix's crying.
Brooke sighed and looked up at us.
"He needs a nap. Would you guys mind taking him in to Venus?" she asked.
Chibs held his arm out and took the carrier off her hands.
"Got it," he said.
One of the guys in the garage called for Rane. He sighed.
"Duty calls," he replied.
"When ya get finished, be at the table," Chibs ordered.
Rane nodded, then patted my shoulder.
"Glad you're feeling better, sis," he said.
I smiled and thanked him. Felix screeched angrily. Chibs looked down at him and smiled.
"We're goin', we're goin'," he assured him, then put his hand on the small of my back, "Come on, love."
We turned and left Brooke and Chucky to work, the movement of walking calming Felix.
"Is he heavy?" I asked as we walked by the bikes.
Chibs shook his head.
"Not bad," he replied.
I smiled.
"So you could juggle two?" I asked teasingly.
Chibs groaned and rolled his eyes.
"Jesus," he sighed.
I laughed.
"When are we gonna tell everyone?" he asked, lowering his voice as we neared the door.
"Not yet!" I hissed.
Chibs smiled and led the way through the door, the smell of cigarettes and alcohol hitting me. Lately, anything as pungent as cigarettes, alcohol, or even the smell of gasoline would cause me to gag, but today I was fine. Maybe I was getting over it, but then again, maybe my meds were doing their job.
"We're home, girls!" Chibs called jokingly.
A few of the boys were playing pool and a few Crow Eaters accompanied Venus as she walked out of the kitchen. Tig, who was holding a pool cue as he waited his turn, spotted me and immediately dropped the stick.
"Holy shit, boys! Look who's here!" he shouted excitedly.
His voice caught Vee's attention, and within seconds, we were surrounded.
"Goodness!" Venus breathed out, then turned to the Crow Eaters, "Lock up the kitchen and make sure Filip doesn't see."
The women nodded and obeyed. Chibs and I stopped as our wild, idiot brothers bounded over to us. Tig scooped me up in a hug and prepared to squeeze the living tar out of me, but Chibs vocalized his warning before I could.
"Easy, Tiggy. She's still sick," he said.
Tig held me gently.
"Hi, Pop," I said.
"Hey, baby," he said gently, and kissed the top of my head.
I watched over his arm as Venus kissed Chibs' cheek and he passed Felix off to her.
"He needs to go down for his nap," he said.
"We missed you, darlin'," Tig said.
"Missed you, too," I replied.
We parted and Tig ruffled my hair. Happy appeared beside him and hugged me.
"How's it going, kiddo?" he asked.
I shrugged.
"Been better," I replied.
Venus must have passed Felix off to a Crow Eater, because before I knew it, I was swept up into her long arms and being checked frantically all over.
"Jesus, sugar! We thought we wouldn't see you around here for a while! How are you feeling? How did the ultrasound go?" she asked so fast, her words ran together.
I smiled tiredly, but before I could reply, Rat entered the clubhouse, sporting his TM work shirt. We turned to see him come in, wiping grease and oil off of his hands with a rag.
"Hey, guys. I heard Cal was back. I had to come in and say hi," he said.
I smiled as Rat gently hugged me and greeted Chibs.
"Are you back for good?" he asked me.
I shrugged.
"Back every day I feel okay enough," I replied.
Rat smiled.
"Good."
"Well, now wait," Venus said, "You didn't tell us what was going on."
"Yeah, how did the appointment go?" Tig asked.
Chibs moved closer to me and put a protective arm around my waist.
"Jesus Christ! Don't fuckin' suffocate her," he said.
Everyone closed their mouths and backed up a little, giving me a little breathing room. This had not been so unusual, as when Chibs was up and walking again, they swarmed him, too. I had to back them off, too, but Chibs was nearly glued to my side.
"Everything is fine. The doctor just said that it was just one of those things. I'm on some medication right now to help me out," I explained.
Tig and Venus collectively heaved a sigh of relief.
"Thank, God," Venus breathed, placing a hand on her chest.
"With the way Chibby was explaining it, we were really worried," Tig said.
I smiled.
"I'm alive," I replied, then looked up at Chibs, "You worry too much."
He smiled warmly and tightened his arm around me as he leaned down to kiss my forehead.
"Can ya blame me?" he asked.
I studied him for a moment, trying to digest the question. I wasn't sure exactly what he meant, but when he winked, I disregarded it. He had every right to worry, as these past few weeks had created a monster out of me, and disabled my ability to use common sense, and therefore often disobeyed him when I knew he was right. I had been a handful, to be honest, and he had been a saint. He'd most definitely be rewarded for it.
"Guess not," I replied with a smile.
Chibs chuckled and gestured to the guys.
"'Kay. I want bodies at the table as soon as Quinn comes in," he announced.
Our brothers nodded. Rat looked down at his son in the carrier Venus was holding.
"I can put him down for his nap," he offered.
But Vee waved him off.
"No, no, honey. I got it. You get business taken care of. Oh! And Filip, don't you dare set foot in that kitchen!" she ordered.
Chibs grinned.
"I won't," he promised, then turned to Rat, "Go check up on Quinn."
Rat nodded and spun on his heel to leave. The guys began to disperse, and Venus set the carrier on top of the bar, tossed a dish towel over her shoulder, then scooped the little boy out. Chibs moved behind me and hugged me tightly.
"I wanna tell 'em so bad," he murmured in my ear.
I smiled and reached behind me to stroke his cheek.
"I know, baby. Let's keep it a secret for now and surprise them later," I whispered.
Chibs nodded and I felt him nuzzle his nose into my hair. A vibration on my hip caused me to jump in surprise.
"Fuck," Chibs growled.
He let go of me and fished his cell phone out of his pocket. I turned around and watched him worriedly.
"Hello?" he answered.
His facial expression changed from peeved to deeply concerned in a blink.
"Are ya serious?" he asked, "…Okay. Are ya…Okay. We're on our way, sweetheart."
He shut his phone and groaned.
"What? What's going on?" I asked worriedly.
He replaced his phone and grabbed the car keys.
"Coupla black guys showed up at Red Woody lookin' for me. Lyla's not sure what their intent is, but she didn't recognize 'em," he explained.
I groaned. Shit!
"Let's go, boys!" he called, "We need to go save our girls."
The guys jumped into action. My adrenaline began to pump. There was no telling what those men wanted, but if they hurt Lyla, one of the actresses, or worse, they were in for it. Besides, it felt good to finally be called to action again, and in feeling better than I had in days, I was ready to jump the gun. Unfortunately, I couldn't race off on my bike, but we did have the Challenger.
Acting quickly, I snatched the keys out of Chibs hand and sidestepped away from him.
"Let's go!" I said excitedly.
"Wha? Oh, hell no! Callie, you're stayin' here!" he ordered.
I spun around on my heel and stared at him like he was crazy.
"Are you shitting me? You expect me to rot around here for the entire nine months? I'm going!" I said stubbornly.
Chibs' eyes hardened with anger.
"Callie, you are-"
I rushed him before he could finish.
"Filip! There's a couple of strangers at our studio that could endanger the girls and they're asking for you! You think I'm just going to sit idly by and hope and pray you make it home this time?" I hissed.
Chibs' face fell. He broke eye contact, at a loss for words. I pulled my cut up and pointed to the First Lady flash.
"But, you're still very weak, Callie," he reminded me.
"I'm never too weak to protect my boys or my Old Man. I'm driving," I declared.
I small smile crept upon his lips. I grinned and turned to leave when Venus stopped me.
"Wait! Before you go, come back here," she said.
I didn't have the chance to protest when Venus grabbed my arm and lead me down the hall and into the apartment she and Tig shared during lockdowns. We slipped in and she swiftly closed the door. Inside, the bed was littered with party items and several wrapped presents for Chibs' party tonight.
"What the hell is going on, Vee?" I asked.
She didn't answer at first. She walked over to an old dresser, picked up a white shopping bag, and dumped the contents in her hands.
"Here, sugar. Change into these. I saw these when I was shopping for Filip and thought you'd love them," she said, unfolding a pair of black jeans with moto style legs, "These are so cute. Put them on. No one's going to take you seriously in pajamas."
She tossed me the jeans. I looked them over with apprehension. Would they even fit me?
"They're stretchy, hun. Hurry and change and go kick some ass," she said.
And with that, she left me alone in the room. I sighed and quickly changed out of my sweats and into the jeans. They were tight, although not any tighter than most of my jeans. However, they fit a little snugly around the waist. Nothing bothersome, but enough to notice. Venus was right though. I looked dumpy, and at least now I looked like I meant business.
Jeans on, I tossed the sweats on the bed and with the car keys, jogged back outside to join the boys. Chibs was waiting impatiently by the car. I unlocked it and he climbed into the passenger seat. I slipped into the driver's side and turned the keys in the ignition, making the car roar to life.
"Puttin' fashion before business?" Chibs teased.
I buckled myself in and put the car in reverse.
"Not going to a slumber party," I said.
Chibs laughed. I threw the car in gear and rolled out of the compound, my brothers following behind.
At Red Woody, there were a few cars outside, most of them the girls' cars, and I spotted Lyla's Prius, but next door, in front of a warehouse were two older cars I had never seen before. One was a brown Oldsmobile, and the other a white Ford. I parked in between the warehouses, just before the door to the studio, and my brothers parked just behind.
Chibs and I climbed out of the car as the boys dismounted their bikes. Rane approached us first.
"How should we navigate this one, Prez?" he asked.
Chibs nonchalantly shrugged.
"March right in there," he replied.
He made an attempt to walk towards the door when Tig stopped him.
"No way. Hap, you and Cal go in and scope it out," he said.
Chibs stared at the VP in shock.
"What are you looking at me like that for?" he asked, "Hap's with her!"
I nodded.
"He's right. Hap and I will go in. Protect you," I agreed.
Chibs shifted uncomfortably. Happy tapped my arm.
"Come on, kiddo. Let's see what these fools want," he said.
I happily agreed and fell in step behind the Sergeant at Arms.
"Be careful, for Christ's sake!" Chibs called after us.
I smiled at my Old Man over my shoulder. He couldn't stand it, but he knew I would take a bullet for him any day.
Happy opened the door and I stepped through first, looking around. Red Woody had not changed much since my last visit, although Lyla had been busy redecorating with small plants and lights, and this month's set was on display. Happy walked up beside me and we walked through the studio to find Lyla and her assistant in the editing booth. When she saw us, she stood and strolled over.
"Hey. Where's everyone else?" she asked.
"We're scoping out the situation first," Happy replied.
Lyla nodded.
"Well, it's all good. Just before you guys showed up, Tyler came in. I guess it's safe to assume they're Niners," she said.
I narrowed my eyes. Niners?
"Where are they?" Happy asked.
Lyla gestured over her shoulder.
"They're waiting at the bar," she replied.
Happy nodded and turned to me.
"Give them the all clear," he ordered.
I nodded and turned away, walking back to the door. I tried to wrack my brain for the answer to what a Niner was. I had heard the guys mention them before, but I was unfamiliar with the name. I had never encountered a Niner before.
I pushed the door open and waved the guys in. Chibs, who looked outrageously twitchy, nearly shot across to the door. The guys followed behind him quickly, and Montez grabbed the door for us. Chibs put a hand on the small of my back.
"What are we steppin' into here, love?" he asked quietly.
"To whatever a Niner is," I replied with uncertainty.
Chibs, however, looked relieved.
"Good," he replied, then pulled his hand away.
He didn't dare step away from me, though. He didn't let hardly an inch come between us, and my initial thought was that he was nervous about me being on duty again, especially as puny as I was, but I noticed that since the ultrasound, he was never out of arms reach. He was always very protective over me—over all of us, for that matter, but I wondered if his paternal instincts were already engaged. He acted like he didn't want anyone touching me, not that I minded, but I made a mental note to speak with him about it once we were safe at home again.
At the bar were three African American men, one bald and heavy-set, another fit with short hair, and the middle one slender with hair slightly longer than the other man. When we entered, they stood and the middle one approached us.
"Hey, man," he greeted Chibs.
Chibs smiled and reached out to shake the man's hand.
"Good to see ya, brother," Chibs replied, sharing a quick bro-hug with the other man.
"Yeah, man," he agreed, "You, too."
Then, he gestured to me.
"Looks like you all got a new recruit since we last spoke," he said.
Chibs smiled down at me.
"Aye. This is my Old Lady, Callie," he introduced me, "Callie, this is Tyler Yost, leader of the One-Niners."
Tyler gave me a nervous smile, and to my surprise, shook my hand.
"Wow, okay. Well, nice to meet you," he said.
"You, too," I replied, "Forgive me, but I'm not entirely familiar with you guys."
I cut my eyes at Chibs, who looked a little guilty.
"We're a street gang based out of Oakland," Tyler replied.
Chibs crossed his arms over her chest.
"They used to buy guns from us back in the day. Helped us track down that bastard, Marks," he said bitterly.
Now, he I was familiar with.
"Oh, okay," was all I had to say.
Tyler nodded and turned back to Chibs. Tig walked around me and tossed a casual arm around my shoulders.
"So, what's up?" Tig asked Tyler.
Tyler shifted nervously.
"Well, I kind of hated to barge in here and interrupt business, but I thought you guys might have been here," he began.
Chibs shook his head.
"We've changed locations. Can't let ya know until it's completely secure, though," he said.
Tyler nodded.
"Yeah, man. I get it. I get it," he replied, "Well, we're having a little bit of a situation with the Irish."
Tig tensed.
"The Irish?" he asked in disbelief.
"Jesus," Chibs groaned, rolling his eyes.
"See, apparently, a couple of guys broke into the warehouse they got and stole some guns. Blamed it on the Niners, but it wasn't us. Now Malone is pissed. Álvarez is pissed, but he says he believes it wasn't us. Could have been anyone."
"What? They catch a couple of black guys on the security camera and automatically assume it was the Niners?" Tig asked.
Tyler's eyes widened as he nodded.
"Are ya surprised?" Chibs asked Tig sarcastically.
Tig nodded in agreement.
"I know you guys aren't into the guns anymore, but we wanted to give you a heads-up. See if you heard anything," Tyler said.
Chibs shook his head.
"Nah. This is the first I've heard of it," he replied.
"Well, it won't be the last. If those guns get loose and in the hands of the ATF, all of our asses will be on fire. If they trace it back to the Irish…"
"They'll try to link it to us," Happy finished.
"Exactly!" Tyler agreed, "We're trying to help hunt these little punks down, but I don't know what to do about Malone, man."
Chibs looked from Tyler, then to us.
"Maybe we need to head down there and investigate," he proposed.
Rat shifted nervously.
"I don't know, man," he said, "Do you really think we should jump in on something like this? I mean, I want to help, too, but we just got in the green again."
"No, but I also don't want those guns in Charmin'," Chibs replied, "Last thing we need is another handful of kids dyin'."
Rat nodded understandingly.
"You guys don't have to if it's too much heat," Tyler said, "But we wanted to let you guys know just in case."
Chibs nodded.
"Well, we appreciate it," he said, then turned to us, "What do ya guys say?"
"I saw we go on a leprechaun hunt," Happy said, his eyes lighting up and a wicked smile crossing his lips.
Chibs smiled.
"Everyone agree?" he asked.
The guys nodded. Chibs looked to me and Tig.
"We good?" he asked.
Tig and I must have been thinking the same thing, because both of us whipped out our guns. Chibs grinned.
"Let's go, then."