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“No, I guess we haven’t.”

“I’ll tell you anything you want to know, but let’s get through today first, okay?”

“Okay.”

"Come on.” He took my hand in his. “I’ll show you guys around.”

I nodded, then Ford and I followed as he started down a long corridor lined with bedrooms. Holt explained that they were for the brothers who stayed over. The walls bore framed photos of rides and various gatherings, and they gave me a sneak peek into this strange, new world he’d delved into.

We walked past the bar with a jukebox, pool tables, dartboards, and every kind of liquor you could imagine, and from there, we made our way to the kitchen. It had all the necessities and an enormous family-sized wood table in the center.

We continued down the hall to a spacious family room filled with wide-screen TVs, pool tables, and dartboards, and Ford let out a notable gasp. Holt chuckled as he said, “It’s pretty cool, huh?”

“It’s awesome.”

“Go ahead.” Holt motioned his head inside. “Go check it out.”

Ford had just made his way over to one of the pool tables when Goose, one of Holt’s brothers, came over to us and announced, “They’re here.”

The words had barely left his mouth when in walked my mother and Rooks. Mom looked a bit freaked out while Rooks was trying his best to show zero emotion. I started toward them, and I couldn’t help but notice the bruising under both of Rooks’ eyes. His bottom lip was swollen, and there was a deep scratch on his chin.

I went to Mom first and gave her a hug. “Hey, how ya holding up?”

“I’m still standing.”

I glanced over at Rooks as I asked, “What about you?”

“Can’t complain.”

“You sure about that? You look terrible.”

“Just a rough night’s sleep.”

“If you say so.”

Mom leaned over to me with wide eyes as she asked, “What is this place?”

“It’s a biker clubhouse,” Rooks answered. “It’s where they do the things they do if you know what I mean.”

“I’m afraid I don’t.”

“Well, it’s probably best that you don’t,” Rooks scoffed.

“Don’t say it like that,” I fussed.

“Like what?”

“Like you’re implying they’re all up to no good. You know nothing about them or what they do here.” I crossed my arms as I continued, “And in case you forgot, they’re trying to help us. The least you could do is show them a little respect.”

“Yeah, if you say so.”

They both grew tense when Holt came up next to me. Mom gave him an awkward smile. “Hello, Holt. It’s good to see you.”

“Good to see you, too, Mrs. Warren. I hated to hear about Mr. Warren.”

“Thank you, Holt. I know you might find it hard to believe, but he always thought a lot of you.”

“Yeah, I don’t know about that. But that’s neither here nor there. I’m sorry, just the same.”

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