Standing up when it mattered. That takes guts. Caleb sat on his new bike. His bike and felt tears prick his eyes. He blinked them back hard.
Saturday's run was everything Caleb had hoped for and nothing he'd expected. 70 bikers showed up at the meeting point, and Caleb realized with a start that he knew most of them from the compound. They greeted him like an old friend, asked about the new job, and admired his Softail. Not bad for a first bike. Wrath said circling it critically.
Needs better pipes though. Stock exhaust sounds like a sewing machine. I'll add it to the list. The ride to Sedona was freedom in its purest form. Wind in his face, engine thrumming between his legs, the desert stretching endless on both sides.
For 3 hours nothing mattered except the road and the riders around him moving together like a flock of birds.
They stopped for lunch at a roadside diner where the waitress took one look at the parking lot full of Harleys and muttered something about calling the cops. Relax, Betty. Clutch called out. We're just hungry, not here to rob you. Last time bikers showed up they trashed the bathroom and stiffed me on the tip.
That wasn't us. We tip 20% and our bathroom habits are impeccable. Clutch pulled out a $100 bill. This cover any concerns? Betty pocketed the money and her attitude improved dramatically.
What can I get you boys? Over burgers and fries. Arthur pulled Caleb aside. How are you holding up on your first ride? It's incredible.
Yeah, it gets in your blood. Fair warning. Arthur's expression grew serious. I heard about the DA calling. You ready for what's coming?
I don't know. Maybe. Caleb pushed fries around his plate. I keep thinking about sitting in that courtroom with Dalton staring at me. Knowing he wants me dead.
He can't touch you. Not anymore. Arthur's voice was firm. He's in federal lockup no bail under 24-hour surveillance. And even if by some miracle he got out, he'd have to go through 400 pissed off bikers to get to you.
Those aren't good odds. What about after the trial when everyone goes back to their normal lives? You think we're just going to forget about you? Arthur looked genuinely offended. Kid, you're family now.
That doesn't have an expiration date. 10 years from now, you need help, you call. We show up. That's how this works. I'm not used to that.
Get used to it. Arthur stood. Come on. Wrath wants to teach you formation riding. Says you were weaving around like a drunk driver.
I was not. His words, not mine. Take it up with him. The afternoon ride back to Phoenix was harder. Caleb's legs ached, his back was sore, and the sun had turned him a shade of red that would hurt tomorrow.