Echoes on Route 66

Dawn broke over the high desert with a brilliant wash of orange and gold paint across the sandstone cliffs.

By 6:00 AM, the camp was packed. The bikes were fueled, the truck’s oil checked, and Lily was wide awake, munching on a blueberry granola bar while chattering happily about the pine forests they were going to see in Oregon.

"We splitting here?" Tank asked, swinging his massive leg over his Harley and pulling on his heavy leather gauntlets.

Grizz stood beside the driver's side door of the Ford pickup, resting his hand on the rolled-down window frame. He looked at his brothers—the men who had bled with him, fought with him, and covered his back through a decade of underworld chaos.

"You guys don't have to follow me into the woods," Grizz said quietly. "You’ve earned your retirement just as much as I have."

Slash spat a piece of toothpick onto the dirt and grinned. "Retirement? In what universe do you think a couple of aging bikers are going to sit around knitting sweaters in Oregon? Someone’s gotta make sure your kid learns how to shoot straight before she hits ten."

Tank laughed, roaring his engine to life. "Lead the way, boss. North to the timberline."

Grizz looked back at Elena, who was sitting behind the wheel, a confident, beautiful smile gracing her lips as she shifted the truck into gear.

"You ready for this, El?" he asked, leaning down to meet her gaze.