Gray closed his eyes and smiled. “You’ll see soon enough.”
December 25, 2024
Reaper
Golden Skulls’ clubhouse, Purgatory, California.
Kids ran around happily, laughing while they played with the new toys Santa brought them. My son, Jesse, sat next to Colin as they compared the new bikes they had received. My wife, Remi, her belly slightly swollen with our unborn child, looked radiant as I watched her throw her head back in laughter at something Ink said to her.
It was like life never stopped.
The world kept turning and people kept living.
Yet the only ones who seemed to feel as if anything was off were me and Montana.
All around me, brothers, wives, and children celebrated the season, yet we couldn’t bring ourselves to join them. We kept the circle close. Only those we trusted the most knew the score. If Montana and I didn’t need to be here, we’d still be in the city looking for the kid. I knew he was out there somewhere, and when I learned who took him from the hospital, I was going to gut the motherfucker until all that remained was bits and pieces of shark bait.
“You’re snarling.”
Looking beside me, I smiled as Remi sat down next to me.
Leaning her head on my shoulder, she sighed. “You will find him. I know it.”
“I don’t know how to pretend.”
“Then don’t. Montana is barely hanging on. Tessa is doing everything she can think of to take his mind off what is happening with Danny. The world believes Sypher is still alive, and the table does too. That gives you the advantage. Just play your part and know that whoever took him will eventually make a mistake.”
Wrapping my arm around her, I leaned over and kissed the top of her head. “I never wanted this, babe. That kid is out there, hurt and in pain, and I feel useless. We all do.”
“Sypher knew the score. He knew what could happen. Give him the credit he deserves, Max. He’s strong and smart. If anyone can navigate this situation, it’s him.”
“I just want to know why he changed the plan without telling me. Why would he do that?”
My wife shrugged, getting to her feet. “Gonna have to ask him that when you find him. Until then, you have a part to play, so start playing it.”
My woman was right.
This game wasn’t over, and I needed to keep my head clear. Danny was out there somewhere, counting on me and the others to find him. and when we did, all hell would break loose because if there was one motherfucking hair out of place, I would kill every fucker who dared harm him.
Seeing the time, I stood and nodded to Montana.
It was time for me to go see Emma and for Montana to meet his granddaughter.
It was a beautiful scenic ride from Purgatory to Destiny, California with a view of the Pacific Ocean off to my right on the back of my motorcycle.
The sun began its descent, casting a golden hue over the waves that danced in rhythm with the breeze. The salty air filled my lungs, invigorating my spirit while I navigated the winding coastal roads. Every twist and turn brought new vistas, each more breathtaking than the last. It was moments like these that made me appreciate the freedom and exhilaration of the open road.
As I rode on, the landscape transformed from rugged cliffs to serene sandy beaches. The occasional cry of a seagull punctuated the soothing sound of the ocean’s roar, creating a symphony of nature that was both calming and exhilarating. Passing through quaint coastal towns, I observed the simple beauty of life by the sea, where time seemed to slow down and every moment was savored.
I originally wanted Emma home for Christmas, but the stubborn teenager flat out refused. She was still angry at me and Remi for keeping secrets from her. While I tried to understand that she had a right to her feelings, I couldn’t help but feel that I somehow facilitated her change in attitude. A big part of me still believed she hadn’t forgiven me for everything I put her, Remi, and Jesse through in the past and until she could talk to me without screaming in my face, I had to trust that Logic would somehow work his magic.
About an hour later, I rode my bike into the compound of Disturbed MC and parked it next to the door. Shutting off my engine, I looked at the door where the large black brother, Hannibal, stood, glaring at me.
Yeah, it didn’t take a genius to know that large fucker didn’t like me.
“New friend?” Montana chuckled.
“Shut up, fucknuts.”
