Page 15 of Marcus: Sins of the Father

“Understood,” I say.

“In the meantime, I’ve got a job for you. Melissa and Harley Jean are at a ski resort about a half hour north of Truckee. Their car won’t start. Need you three to ride up there and take care of the problem. If you can fix it, do it. If you can’t, you leave the car and take them back. Pack some extra helmets if you don’t already carry one.”

“I’ve got one,” I say.

“Me too,” Billy adds.

“Good. It may be cold up there. You boys have chaps and jackets?”

We all nod, and he jerks his chin to our bikes.

“Haul ass, and remember what I told you. You spot any Death Heads, you report back immediately.” He grabs Billy’s thermal shirt in his fist and stares at his face. “You do not take any chances with these girls. Their safety comes first. Got it?”

“Got it,” Billy says, his jaw tight, and I have to wonder if Crash is on to the chemistry Billy and Melissa have.

“Anything happens to Cole’s daughter, or mine, and you’re a dead man walking. Am I making myself clear?”

“Yes, sir.” Billy’s voice is deep and sharp.

I feel for him, and can only imagine by Crash singling him out, that he has got to know something, or at least he suspects.

Crash releases him, but points his finger in his face. “You’re in charge; you’ve been prospecting the longest.”

He turns to TJ. “Don’t let your sister give you any crap about leaving her car if it comes to that.”

TJ straightens. “Yes, sir.”

“Well, what are you waiting for? Move,” Crash barks.

The three of us scramble to our bikes.

I check my saddlebag to make sure I’ve got my leather jacket and chaps with me while TJ pulls out his phone and makes a call.

“Where the fuck are you, exactly?” he snaps.

The phone’s not on speaker, but she’s loud enough I can hear the response and recognize the voice. It’s his sister, Melissa.

“We made it as far as the gas station right where we pick up I-80 to head home.”

“You safe?”

“Yes, why?”

“Nothing. Crash is sending us to get you.”

“Crash is sending you? Why?”

“I suppose since you called Dad.”

“I didn’t call Dad. I called Mom.”

“Whatever. Now we’re coming to get you.”

“We? Who exactly is we?”

“Me, Marcus, and Billy.”

“He’s sending the prospects?” Her voice goes up at the end.

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