And Back Again

Chapter 15

"Before we get down to the serious shit," Bishop said darkly. "I want to nominate someone to takeover Riz's role as Secretary."

Hank nodded. "I'm good with that."

The rest of the table shared their similar responses in favor of the vote.

"Angel," Bishop said and instantly everyone turned to face him. "You really stepped up. Despite all your domestic shit, a lot we had to help you clean up," Bishop said with a smile that elicited a few chuckles around the table, "You've come a long fucking way. I think you earned this, brother."

Shocked, and clearly showing it, Angel nodded. "Yeah, thanks Bish," he began to smile. "You vote me in I'd be," he paused, "I'd be honored to take over for Riz."

"All in favor?"

There was a resounding chorus of agreement and everyone's hands went up.

"Opposed?"

Silence.

"Alright, Congratulations, Angel," Bishop stood up and handed the patch to Angel. They hugged and quickly sat back down. There was serious business planned for that morning.

"This shit has been a long time coming," Bishop started. "We've done everything Galindo needed, always, but he hasn't done shit to protect us."

"You can even lay blame for shit that did happen to us," Coco huffed.

"I guess we don't need to discuss it, do we?" Bishop asked darkly.

"I don't," Taza grumbled.

"All in favor of severing our relationship with Galindo?"

The table all approved with angry and eager voices and when Bishop asked who was opposed no one dared to even breathe.

The gavel came down and the men sat with the gravity of their vote for a silent moment. It wouldn't be easy to cut the ties that bound them together, they knew that, but they had to do it. For the club's future and for Riz's memory.

There was very little celebrating Angel's new role, just a few shots and beers. It didn't feel right, not so soon, so instead Angel took a ride over to Botha Capital Partners. The security guard greeted him at the door by name and gestured to the elevator bay.

"Miss Osbourne is on the 15th floor."

"Alright," he said, acting casual despite being unsettled by the guard. "Thanks."

Angel swaggered over and took the elevator to the top floor, stepping out to see Zara's office straight ahead.

"Mr. Reyes," Karen beamed. "Is Miss. Osbourne expecting you?"

"Uh no."

"I'll let her know you're here."

Karen didn't only let Zara know Angel was here but she let Bastian know as well and she informed him first.

"Angel," Bastian said with a bright smile. "How are you?"

"Fine," he nodded.

"I heard about Riz," he said somberly. "I'm so sorry for your loss. I would have sent flowers but," he shrugged, "You don't seem like the flower type."

"We're not," he said firmly, "But thanks."

"Mr. Reyes, Miss. Osbourne will see you," Karen announced.

Angel strolled through the door to find Zara at her desk writing something. Her pen dropped and she popped up with a bright smile.

"Hey," she moved to greet him. "How are you doing?"