Page 78 (1/2)

Chapter One

SPENCER

“The first rule of Shrike Club is never talk about Shrike Club”

“Aw, Spencer,” Ronin co out thethat faces into the bays ofplace, beats the shit out of the old shop in back of my farmhouse in Bellvue “Stop, man It’s sad”

“Yes, I have to agree with Ronin,” Ford says in his dry tone that makes me roll my eyes Like he’s so mature “It’s not funny”

I look over at Carson, the banker-turned-Clubme keep Veronica out of trouble while the Tea behind us for the past several years “Don’t listen to the—”

“I don’t get it,” he says

Ronin drags his attention frolances up froether

“Shrike Club It’s a joke? I don’t get it”

I look over at Ford and he’s got his eyebrows up towards the ceiling “It’s a book,” he says with disbelief

“Book?” I say, laughing “Carson”—I grab him by the arm and push hi ht Club?”

He squints his eyes a little “Yeah, I’ve heard of Fight Club, but I don’t get it”

“‘The first rule of Fight Club is never talk about Fight Club?’” I ask, still slightly hopeful

Carson gives

“Did you see Fight Club?” Ronin asks

“No”

“That’s it,” Ford says, slapping his laptop closed “We can’t ith a guy who’s never seen Fight Club It’s absurd Real ht Club It’s like Full Metal Jacket or… or… The Godfather It’s so we all do as men Carson” He pushes past me and stands in front of the banker “You’re out of the Club Sorry”