Crash and Burn (Back Down Devil MC #2)(7)

“So that means we have more than one problem to face here,” Landon said. “That’s just great.”

“It’s our life,” Nate said. “Without problems, f*ck, I think that would mean we’d be dead.”

“What if we call that sleazy guy?” Blaine asked. “Jonesy? He’s a slime ball private investigator.”

“That could work,” Miller said. “That costs cash though.”

“Let me find out when the next gathering is,” Landon said. “Maybe we could get some action on fights.”

“Are we welcome there?” Shay asked. “Last time, there were bullets…”

“That’s been settled,” Gaige said. “If there’s a fight and we’re not invited, we’ll show up and show them what a bloodbath really looks like.”

“I’m with that,” Miller said. “Now, for our little problem out there tonight. Our friend, Chief Jerry, has it taken care of. The scene will be cleaned up and it will be a tragic drinking and driving accident. Nothing more. Nothing less. I also want everyone to keep their distance from this Eight Under shit. We need to find who hurt our brother and we need justice done the right way.”

Everyone at the table nodded.

“One more to Erik?” Shay asked.

Landon lifted his bottle. The rest of the table did the same. This time, it was silent. Everyone said their peace in their minds and drank. Miller called the meeting and the table broke up. Gaige hurried from the room to go find Emily. Landon watched and it did bother him for a second. Running through * was something to take pride in, but it had to feel good to have someone consistent.

“Hey, Landon.”

Landon saw Miller standing at the head of the table.

“Yeah?”

“You look like shit,” Miller said. “Everything okay?”

“It’s all good,” Landon said. “Just trying to process all this shit.”

“Don’t get too lost in it,” Miller said. “Keep the simplest thoughts and paths to follow. Those are where the answers are. It’s not some deep philosophical bullshit here.”

“Got you,” Landon said.

“Beer is cold and the * is warm,” Miller said. “Make that your priority now. Erik is good. We’re all good. Eight Under is realizing their mission blew up in their face. We’re right where we want to be.”

“Yup.”

Landon left the room and shut the door. He turned the corner to walk to the main part of the bar in the clubhouse. It was packed and the music and conversation were loud enough to chase away most thoughts. Landon leaned over the bar and snapped his fingers. One of the guys working for a patch on their blank leather rushed to get Landon a beer. When Landon turned, he saw Shay and Blaine standing nose to nose.

“Oh, f*ck,” he said.

“Yeah,” Nate said from his barstool. “Letting off steam.”

“With all these women around?” Landon asked.

“It’s an interesting fight, brother,” Nate said. “One is skilled… and one is a f*cking madman.”

Blaine pushed into Shay and Shay smiled. “Is that all you got, boy?”

“Oh yeah?” Blaine asked. “Watch this shit…”

Blaine took a step back and made a fist. Rings on, it would be like getting punched with fist of metal. He lifted his fist and Shay stood, waiting.

“They going hit for hit?” Landon asked.

“I don’t know,” Nate said. “They’ve been talking for so long, I think they might end up f*cking each other before fighting.”

Landon smiled.

Blaine held his fist out and then punched… himself. He stumbled back and shook his head, spitting blood to the floor.

“Christ,” Shay said. “What’s wrong with you?”

Blaine lifted his other fist and did the exact same thing. The son of a bitch punched himself a second time. He didn’t flinch and he definitely didn’t hold back. His mouth bled everywhere as he stepped back to Shay.

“Want to do this?” Blaine asked. “I’m warmed up now.”

Shay pulled a knife and in a quick move, he had a handful of Blaine’s hair, pulling his head back and putting the tip of the knife right under Blaine’s chin. The entire bar came to a stop and everyone stood, ready to help Blaine.

Blaine put his hands out. “Let him go. Let him do this. He needs it. He’s got some survivor’s guilt, right?”

“I’ll f*cking gut you,” Shay warned.

“Then gut me, man. Come on…”

Landon had seen enough. He walked forward and knocked the knife out of Shay’s hand. Shay looked at him with eyes of fire.

“What the f*ck?” he growled.

“You fight,” Landon said. “With fists.”

Shay grabbed Landon by the shirt and Landon wasn’t going to take any shit tonight. He grabbed Shay by the throat and soon they were grappling with each other. Landon felt his thumb pressing hard against Shay’s throat. Shay tried to punch, but it was weak. The left hook barely hurt Landon. Landon threw his head forward and slammed it against Shay’s nose. He couldn’t believe he was battling Blaine’s fight now.

Before Shay could retaliate, Blaine let out a cry and jumped on both men. Landon felt Blaine’s weight and he lost his balance. Soon the three were on the floor of the bar. Fists were thrown just to be thrown. It smelled like smoke, whiskey, weed, and body odor.