We play this smart. We protect our people, we gather intel, and we let the law handle the arrests. But if the cartel comes at us directly, if they step foot on our property, or threaten our families, then we defend ourselves. Agreed? A chorus of agreed and banging fists on the table.
Motion carries.
Clutch looked directly at Caleb. You're under our protection until this is resolved. That means you don't leave this compound without an escort. You don't talk to anyone outside the club. And you do exactly what Wrath tells you when it comes to security.
Clear. Caleb stood. Clear. And thank you. All of you.
I don't know how I'll ever You already did, Clutch interrupted gently. You saved Arthur. That's enough. The meeting broke up and Caleb was heading back to his room when Tiny stopped him. You eat yet?
No. Come on, Stella's cooking. You don't want to miss that.
Dinner was served family style in the main room. Huge platters of barbecue, cornbread, mac and cheese, and enough beer to float a boat. Caleb found himself squeezed between Tiny and a biker named Joker, who told increasingly inappropriate stories that had the whole table laughing. For a few hours, Caleb almost forgot he was hiding from a drug cartel. Then his phone buzzed again.
Agent Reeves, situation update. Cartel crew spotted heading south from Phoenix. Eight vehicles. Heavily armed. ETA to your area 2 hours.
Caleb showed the text to Tiny who immediately stood and whistled sharply. The room went silent. We got incoming. Tiny announced. 2 hours out, eight vehicles, heavy weapons.
The transformation was instant. Laughter died, beers were set down, men moved with purpose toward the gun safes. Clutch appeared at Caleb's side. You good with that 9 mm Wrath gave you? I guess.
Then keep it close, but stay inside no matter what happens. You hear gunfire, you hit the floor and you stay down. Understood. What about you guys? Clutch's smile was cold and hard.
We're about to remind the cartel why you don't mess with Hells Angels.
The compound transformed into a war zone in under 10 minutes. Caleb watched from his second-floor window as bikers hauled crates of weapons from storage buildings he hadn't even noticed before. AR-15s, shotguns, hunting rifles, enough firepower to outfit a small militia. Jesus Christ. he whispered. Nah, just prepared.
Wrath appeared in his doorway carrying a tactical vest. Put this on. I thought I was staying inside. You are, but bullets don't care about walls. Wrath tossed him the vest.