Page 4 of Biker Daddy

Drew nodded slowly. He wouldn’t lie. Not about this. He’d seen the news. The dead man had been an off-duty cop and his young son had been so traumatized he was left mute. Drew also knew the police had his prints. His bloody hand had left them on the kid’s arm.

“It’s mine, Dick.” Drew narrowed his eyes at the detective, playing the part of badass so well even his dad would be proud. “How’d you find me?”

“The sketchbook is from our school board.” His teacher’s voice was higher than usual and it shook, forcing Drew’s eyes back on him. “And I saw you working on this drawing in class a few weeks ago.”

“You’re going to have to come with me, Andrew Trigger.”

“Detective Brighton, he’s a good kid. He really is,” Mr. Marks said pleadingly. The detective snorted.

“He’s just another punk kid vying for a place with the Skull Grinders.” He shoved Drew forward as Drew looked back at his teacher, and the place that had made him feel normal, for the last time.

“Actually, Dick, I’m the future president.” He wasn’t bragging, although it probably sounded that way. Maybe if he was in jail for the rest of his life he’d never have to pull a trigger himself.

Drew glanced at his wrist where the Skull Grinders ink used to be as he idled at a stop light. The scar was ugly, always a reminder of where he’d come from and who he was. He may be a good-looking son-of-a-bitch, or so he’d been told, but in his soul, he was as ugly as that scar.The rest of the tatts that covered his arms like sleeves were his way of owning his inner demons.

He revved the bike and sped ahead to cut off a pretentious-looking guy in a BMW eyeing him scornfully. Drew gave him the one-finger salute while driving off. He just wanted to ride, get Ray off his mind, and take in the fresh air. But no amount of riding could rid him of the thought that sat just beneath the surface. Addianna would be coming. His Addi, probably still wearing pigtail braids and cutoffs.

Addi would come for her uncle Ray. And for better or worse she’d stay—at least the rest of the summer.

Ray’s letter, fresh in his mind, made Drew open the throttle and fly down the highway. The wind burned his eyes, the speedometer made his heart soar, but his promise to Ray anchored him to Fell County, even when instinct told him to get as far away as possible.

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