Page 43 of My Veteran Biker

We're quiet for a moment. Then Dad says, "So this motorcycle club of yours. Vigil. What's that about?"

"We protect Bloomfield," Knox says. "Keep an eye on things. Make sure people are safe."

"Like the police?"

"Not exactly. We handle things the police can't or won't."

"Things like what?"

"Rival MC was pushing into town. Targeting businesses, threatening people. We pushed back. Made it clear Bloomfield is off limits."

Dad nods slowly. "That the club that's been causing trouble? Heard about some violence a few weeks back. Young man killed."

"Perry. He was one of ours."

"I'm sorry to hear that." Dad sets down his fork. "That why you've been restructuring security? I've seen more bikes around town lately. More of your brothers on patrol."

Knox looks surprised. "You noticed that?"

"I notice a lot of things. Just because my hands shake doesn't mean my brain's gone." Dad picks up his water glass slowly, both hands steadying it. "You think this trouble's over?"

"Working on it."

"Be careful. Francis has already lost her mother. I don't want her losing you too."

"I'll be careful."

"See that you are." Dad takes a drink and sets the glass down. "Now tell me about these brothers of yours. Clint's the president, right? Seen him around town. Seems solid."

"He is. Been running the club twelve years. Fair, steady. Doesn't make decisions lightly."

"He married? Got family?"

"Woman named Sydney. She's got a young daughter, and Clint treats that little girl like she's his own."

Dad nods approvingly. "Good. Man who can love someone else's child is a good man." He looks at me. "You met her? This Sydney?"

"Yeah. Saturday night at the clubhouse. She's nice. Direct. All the women are."

"How many brothers in total?"

"About fifteen active," Knox says. "Core group is smaller. Clint, me, Tate, Cain, Holt, Diesel, Roan. Rest are prospects or ride when needed."

"And they all live in Bloomfield?"

"Most of us. Some on the outskirts. We've got a clubhouse three miles east of town."

"The place out on Old Mill Road," Dad says. "Seen it. Looks fortified."

"It is now. After Perry died we upgraded security."

Dad studies Knox for a moment. "You're military, aren't you? Can see it in the way you move. How you assess a room."

"Twelve years. Got out fourteen years ago."

"What made you join a motorcycle club after that?"

"Needed the structure. The brotherhood. Civilian life didn't fit the same way the military did. The club gave me something similar."