Hold on tight and lean when I lean. Don't fight it. Caleb climbed on behind Tiny, his heart hammering. His truck sat abandoned in the lot. Everything he owned still packed in the bed.
Don't worry about it, Tiny said reading his expression. Someone will bring it to the clubhouse. We take care of our own. I'm not one of your own. You saved Arthur's life.
That makes you family whether you signed up for it or not. Tiny kicked the bike into gear. Now, hold on kid. We're burning daylight.
The ride south was unlike anything Caleb had ever experienced. 230 motorcycles moving in formation. The roar of engines drowning out everything else. They rode in tight groups five across maintaining perfect spacing communicating through hand signals Caleb didn't understand. People pulled over to watch them pass.
Some took photos. Others just stared mouths open. They're wondering if it's a funeral or a war party. Tiny shouted over the engine noise. Which is it?
Caleb shouted back. Little bit of both probably.
The clubhouse turned out to be a sprawling compound surrounded by an 8-foot fence topped with razor wire. Guard towers stood at two corners. Actual guard towers with armed men in them. The main building was concrete and steel built like a bunker. Jesus, Caleb breathed as they pulled through the gate.
We take security serious, Tiny said. Especially now. Inside the clubhouse was surprisingly well appointed. Leather couches, a full bar, pool tables, and walls covered with patches, photos, and memorabilia from decades of riding. But there were also gun safes, lots of them.
And Caleb spotted security monitors showing every angle of the perimeter. Clutch was already inside talking on three phones at once. He waved Caleb over. Caleb, this is Wrath. He's our head of security.
Clutch gestured to a scarred man with cold eyes. Wrath, this is the kid who saved Arthur. He's under our protection. Wrath looked Caleb up and down like he was evaluating a threat. You know how to use that gun you're carrying?
Caleb's hand instinctively went to his waistband where he'd tucked the 9 mm. Not really. Then you're going to learn. Range is out back. We start in an hour.
Wrath walked away without waiting for a response. He's friendly once you get to know him, Clutch said. When does that happen? Usually after you save his life or he saves yours. So give it time.
Clutch hung up one phone and immediately answered another. Yeah. Yeah, I know. Look, just tell them we've got it handled. Because I said so, that's why.
Fine, put him on. He covered the phone and said to Caleb, Make yourself at home. Food's in the kitchen, rooms upstairs. Pick an empty one. Caleb wandered through the clubhouse feeling completely out of place.