Chapter 13: Patches
Jimmy listened to JT's plans of expansion and how it involved him. The idea was sound enough, but the trust factor wasn't coming in to play like he would like. JT and his crew were one thing, but unknowns wearing the same patch, wasn't inspiring him to sign off on it and give JT his blessing. Heads thought on the situation and Lenny came up with an idea that seemed appealing to Jimmy. The problem wasn't the increase in retail goods, that was easy to deal with, it was the face to face that Jimmy wanted to be comfortable with. Lenny explained that they would be in charge of warehousing all the goods from the other chapters, then keep the same procedure in place so nothing changed on Jimmy's end.
Jimmy looked at Lenny and then the rest of the club, as they sat in his restaurant and talked after hours.
"I think that will satisfy my needs, if it goes as you say it will. Like I said, it's not you guys I worry about, it's guys you bring in that don't have the same connection to us. This gives me the peace of mind, knowing my business isn't in jeopardy. You know how bad a thing like that can be."
JT reached out and Jimmy shook his hand, solidifying the deal.
"So, if this is good with you, is Gianni going to go for it too?"
"My father will be okay with this arrangement. As long as nothing changes on his end, only making more money, I see nothing he will be opposed to."
"Great. I think we'll make some good money out of this, Jimmy. We're looking at potential places to start new chapters and Nevada has some good spots to set up in. If we can get started over there, we can do our runs and start a warehouse somewhere where we can either ship direct, or you can pick up the goods. That would save time and money for both of us."
"If the warehouse is in a safe place, my father will be okay with that. Like I said, it's who's running it that matters to us."
"Tell you what, Jimmy. How about we have a couple of our new guys get it started with us and once you get to know them and feel good with them, then you'll feel better dealing with them."
"That sounds reasonable to me. I trust you'll make sure these people pass our standards."
"I'll make sure, Jimmy."
"This has been a very interesting meeting. To be honest, JT, my father and I had a feeling you would fold the club after all that happened."
"Fold? Why?"
"Most would look at that as a good reason to get out of that way of life. You and your guys are doing the opposite and expanding, that takes guts to do. You know what is out there to face, yet you're willing to do it anyway."
"Jimmy, we love our club and there's no way we're giving that up. We know that if we want to stay as a club, we need more bodies wearing a patch like ours and show some strength. If we can set up a bunch of charters, we have that strength and a chance to increase our financial outlook too. We aren't going to give up the money we're making, so the only choice is to make more."
"Very admirable. I respect that, JT. Our business operates much the same way. How are you on protecting your interests?"
"Until we get more members, it's still just the eight of us. We have our guns, but that's as far as protection goes at this point."
"We can help with some better guns, if you are in need of them. We can assist in protection if you require our services again."
"Yeah, I noticed the hardware your guys carried around. Not sure M60's and bazookas are what we need, but an assault rifle or two will make a noticeable statement if anyone wants to mess with us."
"Those can be arranged. We have access to military issue weapons and you are welcome to whatever you need to protect yourselves."
The guys looked at each other and agreed the rifles would make a difference going up against another club. Pistols made things close range, while rifles took that distance to one of comfort. With business concluded, Jimmy motioned to the bodyguard at the door to have food and drinks served and smiled at the guys.
"Time to celebrate our new arrangements."
The door opened and two waiters wheeled in carts loaded with covered trays, then placed them on the table and uncovered them for Jimmy's approval. Jimmy nodded and the waiters left them alone to enjoy the meal and drinks. The guys liked doing business with the Cacuzza's, every meeting more like a party of sorts afterwards.
After fuelling up in Palm Springs, the club began the ride to their first destination, fifty miles north to San Bernadino. They had noted a number of riders that lived in the area and showed an interest in the club on past runs. Now it came down to how serious they were about patching in with the Sons of Anarchy Motorcycle Club. Pulling into the parking lot, the guys noticed several riders already present, sitting on their bikes and talking. Heads turned when they heard the club pull in and got off their bikes. They greeted the club and went inside the dimly lit bar and sat apart from the other patrons.
Two beers and a couple of joints later, five guys had agreed to join the club and form a chapter in their area. JT told them they'd have to come to Charming to be fully indoctrinated and get their cuts and patches as a prospect. They had a six month trial period to prove themselves, after which, they would become full patch members and wear them on their cuts. It was decided to cut the probation time in half, so they could put some bodies on bikes. It was undecided who would assume which position and rank, but a vote would be taken on who would be the best leader among them, based on their abilities and devotion to the club. Wheezer Nelson was the only one to ask a question and JT took notice of him after that. He wanted to know if he was allowed to recruit more members and if so, how many.
JT explained the need for an odd number of members, so a vote wouldn't be left in a stalemate of even votes. Wheezer knew of four other guys who he thought would be good prospects and JT said they should come with them and he would vet them himself. Arrangements for a run to Charming were made by the new prospects and JT and the guys welcomed them to the fold. They hugged and shook and in minutes, the bikes were fired up and one more stop was on the list for the day's meets.
Fresno was a two hour run north, about the half way mark to Charming and an ideal location for their retail business. The network of highways allowed good transportation of goods and warehouses were well stocked with items of value to them. The dusk was setting in and headlights were turned on, as they pulled off 99 and into the mall parking lot. To their surprise, there were more bikers there than they expected, some looking like club riders already.
After a meet and greet with the dozen riders, they headed a short distance to a pool hall bar and parked. At first, the playing and drinking stopped, as eyes turned to look at the small army of bikers. The large, burly man behind the bar waved and pointed to the back area where no one sat and a prospect with them, waved back and smiled. Piney looked at the biker and then back to the man behind the bar, stopping momentarily to talk to him.
"You know that guy?"
"Yeah, that's my brother, he runs the place. We hang out here most nights."
"Cool, makes for a safe location. He has no problems with you guys becoming club members?"
"Nah, he's the one that said we should join up. Figures if we're going to ride around all day, might as well be something, if we do."
"I like him, smart guy."
"Yeah, he is. He'd be riding with us, except his old lady would kill him if he started riding again."
"I take it she hates bikes?"
"Oh, no, she doesn't hate bikes, she loves riding. She'd kill him if he gave up this place. They have two kids and a house to look after."
"Gotcha. So he rides?"
