And Back Again

Chapter 4

First thing the next morning was not early enough. Less than an hour after they awoke, most members passed out at the clubhouse, they were getting ready to head out. Shockingly, that was just when Bastian turned up. He arrived much differently than Leary had, in such a fashion that Chucky assumed it was Galindo when he pulled up to the gate.

"I'm looking for Bishop Losa," Bastian said with a charming smile as Chucky poked his head out.

"You are not the man from last night." Chucky noted aloud, awkward as usual but with his guard lowered simply by the charisma oozing from Bastian.

Again, in less than twelve hours, Bishop was greeted with unpleasant news.

"Someone's at the gate," Chucky announced.

"Are you fucking kidding me?" Bishop growled, slamming down his helmet and charging toward the fence. When he swung open the small entrance he stopped, having expected Leary, but recovered quickly.

"Bishop Losa?" Bastian asked, moving forward with his right hand extended. "I'm Bastian Botha."

"What do you want?" Bishop barked, not shaking the man's hand.

Bastian took a step back, dropping his hand at his side, and nodded. "To apologize," he said simply. "My associate made a fool out of himself, and me, and I wanted to clear the air and offer an apology."

"He's your guy?" Bishop asked with obvious distaste.

Smiling, Bastian let out a chuckle. "We're from opposite worlds, as you can see," he gestured to his expensive and impeccably tailored suit, "But Tim is an old friend who does do some work for me from time to time."

As they spoke the Mayans slowly, and silently, gathered behind Bishop but Bastian could barely see anything. He knew they were there though, he had been watching the club, studying them, and noted their loyalty to each other and their president.

"We're not interested in doing business with you or your friend," Bishop said firmly.

"I didn't even get to my pitch," Bastian spoke calmly, keeping a friendly air to the conversation.

"We're not looking for work," Bishop told him.

"Busy with the Santo Padre Regional high school's recycle drive?" He asked jokingly.

"We work with a lot of people in the community," Bishop said. "High school, elementary school, old folks' home" he elaborated.

"You or someone in your name?" Bastian asked knowingly.

"Is this going somewhere?" Bishop glared at Bastian, "If not, we got shit to do."

"Quite a party last night," Bastian smirked peering in over Bishop's head. "I'm sure you're all feeling the sting."

"We're just fine," Bishop said with exasperation as he stepped back into the yard.

"Maybe we can talk later when you're feeling less aggressive," Bastian suggested. "I really think you'd be interested in what I have to offer."

Not waiting for a response, Bastian opened the back door of the SUV and seconds later he was gone. His driver sped out leaving a cloud of dirt in his wake.

"Bastian Botha," Bishop barked. "I want to know everything," he ordered as they charged back toward the clubhouse.

"Hey," Zara grabbed EZ's arm, "I know him, Bastian Botha. Kinda."

"Shit," EZ hissed, about to tell the others. "I'll let em' know."

"I already know," Bishop said, suddenly behind EZ, facing Zara. "Angel said you mentioned the name," he explained, gesturing to Angel behind him.