“In light of the lawsuit, it has come to our attention that there are some other things going on which are affecting you as members as well as the owners of this club. These are serious matters, and I want to make sure you understand that your anonymity is not the only thing on the line here.”
Tag continued to explain in brief detail what Stephen Crawford was doing and what he was using as blackmail against Luke and Logan. That did not go over well because rightfully so, the members felt as though they had been unnecessarily dragged into the middle of this mess by Crawford’s admission into the club. They were accurate in that regard, but when Tag continued to explain, there was a measure of understanding amongst them. Although, that didn’t mean they weren’t angry.
“Why doesn’t Samantha just suck it up? She’s the one they’re after,” one of the members asked.
The growl that erupted from the back of the room, coming from Logan’s direction, was predatory in nature.
“I’m sure that explains it clearly,” Tag said, referring to Logan’s reaction, “but I’m going to reiterate that Logan and Luke are working to ensure that your membership to this club is kept strictly confidential. But, I can also tell you that, without your cooperation, our hands are tied.”
That settled the room down some. It was clear from his comment that, at this point, their identities were going to be released if Susan or Stephen had anything to say about it. Tag didn’t fault Logan for wanting to protect Sam. Hell, he wanted to protect Sam. But, the only thing he could think about was if McKenna was in this same situation and what he would do.
As much as it concerned him to think that way, he knew he’d go to any length necessary to protect her.
~*~*~
Once the speeches were concluded, McKenna stood at the back of the room with Tag, watching while Logan and Luke addressed the crowd of people. It was still a civil conversation, but it was hanging by a thread. If anyone ever doubted how protective the two twins were of their lovers, they had no question about it now.
And yes, there was an idiot in every crowd, today was no exception. There was one who continued to insist that Samantha be responsible for her own actions. When Tag told her that the particular idiot was a state senator, McKenna sighed. Of course he was. Hypocritical bastard.
By the time the meeting was adjourned, Luke and Logan looked about ready to spit fire and McKenna couldn’t say that she blamed them. After trying to reason with them, the member’s insisted that they were in no way supportive of their names being released. They didn’t care that Logan and Luke were willing to waive their membership fee for the following year if they allowed McKenna to use their name in an article on the club.
“What the fuck are we going to do now?” Luke barked as he approached them when the room had completely cleared of everyone except the McCoy twins, Cole and Alex McDermott – whom McKenna learned was the head of CISS, and Ashleigh Thomas’ soon to be husband.
“When is the next free for all?” McKenna asked, trying to keep a straight face. She didn’t find any of this amusing, but the fact that these guys couldn’t come up with a better reference still tickled her.
“Next week.”
“Hmm...”
“What does that mean?” Tag asked, standing straight and tall at her side.
“I was just wondering.” She didn’t really know why she wanted to know, but she was thinking that maybe if she knew what went on there, she could give it a sexy twist that her readers wouldn’t be offended by. Not everyone was into public displays or group sex of any kind, so it would be a risk either way.
“Well, I need to get back to the office,” Logan said. “And tomorrow I plan to talk to Sam. She deserves to know what’s going on.”
McKenna couldn’t argue there. In her opinion, Sam deserved to know a long time ago. However, she understood Logan was only trying to protect her as best he knew how, even if she didn’t think he was going about it the right way.
“I’m going to put something together, and I’ll let you all read it and let me know what you think,” McKenna explained. “With your approval, we’ll publish a brief article and see what type of response we get.”
“Were you able to figure out where the emails to McKenna came from?” Tag interrupted, speaking to Alex.
“Dylan’s working on it as we speak. He’ll have more in a little while. I’m heading back to the office now to check out the video. Hopefully we’ll get something that might help.”
Alex didn’t look at all hopeful, and McKenna was beginning to understand how dire this situation was. Club Destiny was going to take a hit, and based on today’s meeting, if the member’s identities got out, there very well may not be a Club Destiny in the future. She couldn’t imagine what must be going through Luke’s head right now.