Page 5 of Sanction

“Thank you, baby girl. Now go get your momma and Maverick. Tell them I'll be out in just a few minutes.”

“Yes sir,” I say as I jump down from the chair.

I raise up on my tiptoes, and peek at them through the window. My dad and Travis walk around the shop as they continue to talk. I can’t tell whether my dad is giving him a job or not, but I hope he does. I’m not sure what it is about this blonde haired boy, but I have a feeling I’m really going to like Travis Bennett.

Chapter 4

Travis

I shook Zane’s hand and internally thanked God for breaking my streak of bad luck. I needed a job like yesterday and I was filled with relief when he decided to give me a chance. I didn’t give him much on my background, or the reasons why a teenage boy would be alone in a new town, but he also didn’t push. He seemed like a man who didn’t judge you by your past. He agreed for me to start the next day. I would be in training for the first few weeks until I learned the ropes and could prove trustworthy. I will take what I can get at this point. Two weeks on the road has me short on sleep and money. Being sixteen years old doesn’t help my situation, but luckily, I look a little older than I am. My six-foot two-inch height and the muscle I packed on before I left turned out to be useful.

I’ve moved from bus to bus, and ended up in the town of Paradise, Louisiana. It seems like a quiet place. Much different from my home back in Tennessee.

I made a difficult choice. A choice that was best for everyone involved. My father made it very clear where I stood within our family, and that was on the outside of it. I was no longer welcome. Funny, he treated me like I was the criminal. Like I was the one laundering money. But I guess when you do the shit I did and put the people you love in danger you start to believe you are as worthless as he says you are.

It was already hot as I walked back to the hotel room I rented at the edge of town. I only had it for one night, because it’s all I could afford. I’m not sure what my plan is. Make some money and then figure out a place to crash, I guess. What’s sad is two weeks ago I was living in a half a million dollar house with a housekeeper who ironed my underwear. Now I’m in some swamp ass town, sleeping in a trashy Motel 6 with $500 to my name. Life’s funny like that.

After taking a shower I turned on the television and settled for some Wheel of Fortune. My mind drifted to my sister. Only six years old. But this was better. She had Olga to care for her while mom and dad were off galavanting the streets of Tennessee, and I was here. Where I couldn’t hurt anyone else.

The next morning, I swiped some stale cinnamon rolls from the continental breakfast in the lobby and made my way towards Knights Mechanics. When I arrived, I saw Zane and three other guys opening the garage bays. I called him Zane, but he told me everyone calls him Stone.

“Morning.” I nodded as I sat my backpack down on the ground.

“Morning Travis.” Stone pulled up the last roll up door before walking over to me. “Travis, this is Preach and this is Widow. You will be working with Widow this week. He can show you how we do things.”

I nodded and shook both of their hands.

“This is St. Nick, he’s our VP and Widow’s uncle.”

I shook his hand and had to crane my neck to peer up at him. He was huge.

“Knuckles is out back and Tank is in the shitter already, so I'll make those introductions later.”

“Damn, he’s always gotta blow that shit up first thing in the morning.” Widow shakes his head and pulls out a cigarette. “It’s fucking nasty.”

I joined in on the laughter as a brown haired woman walked out of the office.

“This is my wife, Gerry.” Stone wraps an arm around her waist and pulls her into his side “You need anything at all just let her know.”

“Yes sir. Nice to meet you ma’am, I’m Travis.” I offer my hand.

“Nice to meet you, Travis. You just holler, I’m usually working here most of the day.”

I give her a smile and she returns it. The skin around her green eyes crinkle as she turns to her husband.

“I’ll have those checks ready by noon.” She presses a kiss to his cheek and turns to leave.

“Thanks baby.” He slaps her ass and she giggles as she heads back into the office.

“Alright, now, you’ll meet my son later. He’s at school, but he gets out at three then he’ll be in.”

I nod and adjust my hat as I follow Widow into the garage.

“Alright, let’s get started. We gotta change the oil in those three first, can you handle that?” He asks.

“Sure can.”

He grabs a couple of bottles of oil from a shelf and hands them to me.

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