The Ride into the Dark
The diner’s front door swung open, and cold night air rushed in as the group stepped outside. Engines roared to life one by one until the parking lot filled with the deep thunder of motorcycles. To those inside, it must have looked like something from an old story—six towering men in leather gathering around one frightened little girl as if she were the most important person in the world.
Dean gave quick instructions, calm and precise.
“Mason, you take the lead. Cole, with me. Jace, keep the kid in the center. No risks.”
Nora climbed behind Jace, the youngest of the group, and held on tightly. Someone placed a spare helmet on her head, slightly too big but secure enough.
As they rode onto the highway, the cold wind pressed against her sleeves, and the bike lights cut long white paths through the desert darkness. She had never been on a motorcycle before. Under different circumstances, it might have felt exciting. Tonight, it only felt urgent.
Jace raised his voice just enough for her to hear.
“Hold on, kid. We’ve got you.”
Far back in formation, Dean scanned the road—every shadow, every parked car, every bend ahead. He wasn’t riding like a man chasing trouble. He was riding like a man determined not to be too late.
