The Upward Ripple

AK pulled a seat and signaled the bartender.

“I’ll have what he is having,” he said. “It’s on him.”

The bartender looked at Nate who was actually having apple juice, passing it off as a Macallan. It was an old business trick, look like you are drinking while making a business deal and gain the upper hand at a business negotiation. The bartender was confused. Nate nodded, giving the bartender the go-ahead.

“It’s fine. Give him a whiskey,” he said before turning to look at AK.

“You know, when I heard that you were back in town, I wondered why the hell you would come back especially after I told you to stay away. Do you have a death wish or something, Streak?” AK asked and Nate shook his head. “Don’t blame me but I did not think you were going to show up here after how we left things,” he went on.

“I am in Las Vegas on business. I am not wearing anyone’s patch and definitely no club’s sign. You made sure of that,” Nate hissed.

The bartender placed a Macallan in front of AK.

“Business, huh?” AK reached for the glass and the light bounced off his rings and chains. “Does this business have anything to do with the development in Utah?”

Nate raised an eyebrow over the other.

“Why are you concerned about a development in Utah? Isn’t your territory just in Nevada?” he asked.

AK took a sip of his drink and forced a smile.

“You were with the charter long enough to know how it works. Each charter works with another to ensure that all of them are justly and efficiently run. So, Utah’s business is still my business. After all, we are all Outlaws, aren’t we?” he asked before taking another sip.

“What do you want?” Nate asked.

“I want you to have your little dinner and then just go back to your cushy little lifestyle. Leave the dotted line unsigned.”

Nate shook his head.

“Again, why the hell are you concerned with matters concerning Utah? Matters that concern my business?” he wondered out loud.

“Going through with that deal is going to cost my charter four hundred grand, Streak. That is money the brotherhood really needs.”

A smile played on Nate’s lips. Of course, The Outlaws just wanted to get more money from him. It all made sense. It was not enough that they had stripped him of all dignity that they could. They had also taken a lot of money from him, almost a million dollars just to let him leave with his life. It was about time to put a stop to it.

“This might cost you four hundred, but it will cost millions to me and other parties concerned if I do not go through with it. Not to mention all the jobs expected by the locals…. Jobs badly needed in this economy.”

AK looked at him and flashed down the contents of his glass before motioning the bartender to fill his glass up.

“If you are in for millions, then a man who lives life on the better side of life would feel nothing to reimburse me the four hundred and maybe throw in a little more extra to deal with the disgruntled members that would come running to me thanks to you ruining a good deal for them… I don’t have to explain to you how club matters work. You remember.”

Nate’s insides recoiled.

“I remember.”

“So, I don’t have to tell you what happens in the event you don’t do as I ask?”

Nate leaned in.

“Are you threatening me, AK?” he asked and AK grinned.

Nate felt sick to the stomach. It was the same grin he had when club members took turns lashing his back, tearing his flesh apart. The same grin that he usually showed other people to make them realize that he was the one in charge. That he was the one who held all the power.

“I don’t have to threaten you. You remember how we dealt with people who did not agree with us.” AK once again flashed down the contents of his glass. “Let me give you some free advice, Streak, get out of town. Get back to your business world. You clearly do not belong in Nevada.”

He got up to walk away but he lingered for a moment, looking at Nate.

“How did you even know I was in town? And Vegas of all places… it is not exactly easy to spot someone out here.”

“The Outlaws are everywhere, Streak. We have eyes everywhere. It would be wise for you to heed my warning and either reimburse the club or simply leave the dotted line unsigned.” He tipped his hat mockingly. “Thanks for the drink. That was one of the smoothest whiskeys I have ever had.”

He turned around and walked away. The restaurant buzzed with people discussing the bikers who all started their engines at once as they waited for AK to get out. Suddenly, the whole atmosphere was filled with the sound of revving engines. It seemed like forever before they finally rode off. The engine noise of so much horsepower reverberating in the air long after they were gone. Nate exhaled loudly. This was one of those decisions he had to make based on the effect it would have on other people. The construction workers who were waiting for that project to get off the ground. The small utility companies. The people the Duncan foundation had promised housing and the even bigger population waiting to benefit from the new small town that would come up. He had to weigh all that against the possibility of an outlaw motorcycle club coming after him for a few hundred thousand dollars. The Duncans were known billionaires and being the only heir to a billionaire world, he had to make the decision for the greater good. A small loss for the greater good. He reached for his phone and called his accountant.