Chapter 189: One Year
*I know it’s not your birthday, but you’ve been here a year and the anniversary cards seemed a little weird. – Doc*
Nessie had been at the clubhouse for one year. There were days that it was hard to believe that it had already been a year. There were others that she questioned if it had only been a year.
This morning she woke up to Knuckles kissing her and telling her happy clubhouse anniversary. She had laughed at him and thought very little about it.
The girls had decorated her office and made her a cake. Several of the brothers brought her cards and trinkets to commemorate her first year. Siobhan and Toad sent her a bouquet of flowers. Brute brought her some plants for her greenhouse.
She was completely overwhelmed by the outpouring of love. Three weeks later, when the kitchen celebrated one year, most of it was repeated.
Trigg was supposed to host Founders Night at Pop’s Place. He called Toad and Nessie asking if she could cook. His clubhouse was willing to pay for everything, if she would handle it all.
Nessie had no issue with it and Toad agreed. With more time to plan and cook, they did a more elaborate meal. Her smoker was put to work with briskets, ribs, pork loins and Cornish hens. She also grilled corn on the cob, squash and potatoes.
The girls helped her set up the new fruit bar and extended the salad bar. The taco station and baked potato bar had also become permanent.
The patio area outside the dining hall was being converted into an outdoor dining area. The design that Kilo created had a greenhouse roof, seating on two levels, a large central fireplace and four portable gas heaters.
Several brothers had questioned the cost until Buck showed that it could be paid for by the profits that the Kitchen had already made. Toad also pointed out that they were already working on a wedding for April.
All eyes turned to Knuckles who looked just as surprised. Aramis then told everyone that Megan and he were getting married. Toad looked over at Cookie and inclined his head slightly.
“Karan graduates the last Friday in May. We’re getting married the next day.” Cookie said and there was a confused rumble among his brothers.
“It’s about damned time.” Sledge declared.
“As long as we’re talking about the women,” Werewolf said as if asking permission from Toad. When Toad crossed his arms over his chest and nodded, Werewolf stood up to continue.
“Petros Shtunska.” He said unceremoniously and several of the brothers flinched.
“Isn’t he the asshole that got kicked out of the Dragon’s Lair?” Pagan asked of the strip club that had made the news after a fight two nights ago.
“Yes.” Werewolf confirmed. “This is the man stalking our Nessie. She is aware that he’s in the area. She will have a guard at all times until he is gone. I’m sure you all noticed the extra guards outside. We need volunteers to rotate through perimeter and patrol.”
All the men volunteered just as expected. Toad smiled at his men.
“Siobhan is staying here except for doctors appointments. She does not like being confined.” Toad warned. “She is not a house cat like her niece. She’s not content with a book or a new recipe. So, I apologize for the bitch she is about to be.”
“She’s been more of a house cat since Nessie has been here.” Tank pointed out.
“She has.” He agreed about his wife. “But she’s still been going to the food bank. She looks too much like Nessie to be out with Shtunska hanging around.”
“You don’t think that it’s a weird coincidence that he’s here?” Porthos asked.
“No.” Trevor said. “He was at Open Arms yesterday and tried to hack into the system. He got into a false system and we planted a Trojan Horse.”
“What have you learned?” Werewolf asked, already knowing the answer.
“Knuckles, please don’t kill-" Trevor started.
“I’ve already been briefed.” He said displaying more calmness than he felt.
Trevor nodded and then stood to address the room. “He has a new toy, in addition to the women on his arms, he has one that he keeps for his sadistic pleasure. Dom, this asshole needs to see your black room.”
“I can arrange that.” She said as she toyed with one of her knives.
“He’s not yours.” Knuckles warned softly and she smirked at him in understanding.
“You can’t touch him right now.” Toad reminded him.
“He touches my woman and all bets are off. Russian mafia can fuck themselves.”
“Yeah, I agree.” Toad said. “The Don has already told him and his boys to move on. The Mick gave them twenty-four hours to get out of the county.”
“What the hell are they going to do?” Repeat asked.
“I start dropping bodies.” Dom answered. “I have permission to drop a low level in an hour.”
“I want Petros.” Knuckles gritted out.
“Patience.” Toad said. “He’s angered the local mafia bosses. And the Mick is infatuated with your girl. Not like that, she predicted his grandchild. She’s Gaelic and has the Gift. Irish mafia will protect her. Petros brought the police to the Italian mafia’s club. They don’t need extra attention.”
“I still want his blood.” Knuckles said.
“Yes. In his skull.” Toad grinned.
“Make the world a little better.” Knuckles agreed. “Bottoms up.”
“I like her.” Dom said putting the knife away and pulling out her phone. “Call me if anything changes.”
“Dom, where the hell are you going?” Toad asked.
“Work. Not related.” She answered walking out of the room.
“I’m not going to stop her.” Werewolf said when Toad looked at him.
