Page 66 of Steel

There was a family day at the club not long ago, and I remember walking outside and watching as Hendrick and Lyric climbed all over him, laughing and kicking up a storm when he’d use some fucking silly voice before chasing them around the yard.

A sea of steel and chrome line the road to the clubhouse as members of Hades Hellions, Twisted Kings, and Sadistic Sinners come to pay their respects to our fallen brother.

It’s not often you’ll find so many clubs together without blood being shed, but when one of your allies have lost someone, weapons are put down and white flags are raised.

If the Night Skulls or anyone else were going to hit us to get max capacity on casualties, this would be ample opportunity.

My fingers tighten around the steering wheel of my Bronco, wishing I’d have ridden my bike in, but Lyric wasn’t having it. She refused to leave with Heather, so they both ended up in my vehicle. My daughter, I don’t mind, but Heather is a different story. There should be someone else sitting in her spot right now.

When I pull up to the front of the clubhouse, Bozo’s bike is sitting there, haloed by a golden fucking light shining down. People pass by it respectfully. They kiss two fingers, planting them to their heart then resting them on the seat while bowing their heads for a few minutes before walking into the club.

Lyric steps up between the seats and places her little hand on my shoulder. “Come on, Daddy. We’ll do this together, ‘kay?”

I peer at her through hazy eyes and lift a hand to cup her cheek. “Don’t know how the hell a man like me was blessed with someone like you, but I thank fuck for it every day, Princess.”

My daughter purses her lips, and I know I’m about to get a dose of her sass, which is needed in this heavy moment. “‘Cause someone knew you’d need a girl in your life to drive you crazy and keep you on your toes.”

With a chuckle, I tweak her nose. “You sure you’re only six?”

“We should get inside,” a sharp, annoying voice says from the other side of Lyric.

I shoot Heather a disgusted look but smile tightly. “Absolutely.” Glancing back at Lyric, I run my finger down her nose and my lips smooth out. “You positive you want to do this, Princess? I’ll be okay, you know. Not the first time.”

She slides her hand into mine and squeezes. “Uncle Bozo would want me here.”

Blowing out a breath, I nod and climb from the Bronco. I scoot the seat forward and hold my arms out for Lyric. Once she’s inthem, I squeeze her to me and close my eyes as I brace myself for what we’re about to walk into.

After a few minutes, I stand tall, set my daughter on her feet, and wipe the emotion from my face. I lock everything away until I’m ready to face it again and put on my Road Captain mask. Too many eyes on us today for me to show anything other than the blankness they’re used to seeing me carry.

Men in leather and chains stand to the sides of the doors, their arms clasped behind their backs, their heads bowed respectfully as we pass. When I step through the doors and into the main area of the clubhouse, a punch to my solar plexus nearly steals my breath. I’m surrounded by the broken cries of Old Ladies and silent tears of my brothers as they face the room that holds our fallen comrade.

The doors to the chapel are held open, and resting on our table is a glossy black and gold marbled casket with its black velvet-lined lid up.

My feet freeze as I stare, feeling the wrongness of this. Bozo shouldn’t be in there. He still had too much left to do. Had too much left he wanted to accomplish, too much he wanted to feel before he left this world.

It’s fucking unfair, man.

The tone from my phone alerting me to a text message pulls my gaze from the room I’m not ready to face yet.

“Daddy?” Lyric whispers.

Squatting down, I tug on one of her curls. “Princess, goin’ to be real honest. Not ready to go in just yet, okay?”

Lyric reaches out and cups her tiny hand around my jaw. “Okay, Daddy. We’ll go when you’re ready.” She glances over at Hendrick. “I’m going to be with him right now. Is that okay?”

“‘Course.” I brush a kiss across her forehead. “Love you.”

“Love you too, Daddy.”

I stay there, watching as my girl skips over to her friend, spreading her sunshine around those who need it in a time when the clouds are refusing to let it through. Climbing to my feet, I pull my phone from my pocket and warmth infuses my cold body when I read Bailee’s message.

HUMMINGBIRD

Words are never going to be enough to tell you how much I wish you weren’t having to feel the pain of what you’re facing. I wish I was at your side right now so I can carry that burden for you, but since I can’t be there in person, know that I am in spirit and in heart. You’re not alone, Jericho. I’m right here where I’m always going to be. If you need me, just say the word, and I’ll be there. No matter what. You matter. Way more than I ever expected or wanted you to. Take care of yourself today.

All it takes is those words from her to give me the strength to face what the rest of my brothers have already had to. I wish more than fucking anything that I could have been selfish and let her come with me today. But as much as I need her, as much as I want her, I’ll never put her in danger for my own needs.

Crow and Sage are in there right now saying their goodbyes to Bozo, so I wait my turn, ignoring the fucking woman at my side trying to gain my attention.

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