Page 104 of Peaks and Promises

A moment later, half a dozen bikers drove by. They wore vests with their club’s colors. Not Mayhem, and I hadn’t expected that. Still, there was the possibility that Axel had asked other clubs to be on the lookout for Summer and Nate. Maybe they were just passing through, but I still didn’t want them to know she was there.

“Tell me that wasn’t Summer’s ex,” Luke said when they’d disappeared farther down the street.

“No. Different club.”

“Good. Bikers come through town sometimes, especially during visitor season. So we’re fine then?”

“Maybe. If Mayhem has connections with other clubs, there might be members all over keeping an eye out for Summer and Nate. Just a ‘if you happen to see them, let us know’ situation.”

“Should we follow them?”

“Yeah, I want to know what they’re up to. But I need to get Summer and Nate home first.”

“You do that. I’ll see if I can find where they went.”

“Thanks, man.”

I went back to Luke’s office. Summer stopped pacing and looked at me with a mix of fear and hope in her eyes. Nate was busy looking at the photos of restored cars on the walls. He was getting way too accustomed to the sudden need to hide from bikers. I was glad he didn’t seem scared, but some things shouldn’t seem so normal to a child.

“Wasn’t Mayhem,” I said.

“I didn’t think it could be. But then again…”

I shook my head. “No. Might even just be a riding club. But we’re not taking any chances. I’ll get you home, and then I’m going to make sure they aren’t a problem.”

“Okay. Nate, let’s go.”

We left, and I followed Summer back to the house. No sign of the bikers. I had her park in the garage, then I called Luke.

“Hey,” he answered. “They’re at the Timberbeast.”

“I’ll meet you there.”

“Sounds good.”

After ending the call, I drove to the Timberbeast. It was early afternoon, and the lot outside was mostly empty. Just a truck with local plates, plus Luke’s blue Chevelle and a row of bikes.

Luke waited out front. I parked next to his car and joined him at the entrance.

“What’s the plan?” he asked.

“We go in. Sit where we can hear them. Talk to the bartender, see if they said anything suspicious.”

“That’s…very reasonable.”

“Were you expecting unreasonable?”

“Honestly, man, I don’t know what to expect. If it was Z, I’d know to be ready for anything. But you’re still something of an enigma. Plus, you look a little bit like a guy who’d go in hot, ready to start shit.”

“Starting shit is the last thing I’m going to do. I don’t want to attract their attention; just make sure they aren’t going to be an issue.”

“As jacked as you are, I don’t know how you go anywhere without attracting attention.”

I cracked a smile. “Just follow my lead.”

“You got it, brother. Beer’s on you, by the way.”

I shook my head with a smirk.