Page 20 of Marcus: Sins of the Father

Billy hangs up the phone and taps two knuckles on the driver’s window, motioning for me to roll it down.

“We’re booking it out of here. I want you leading the way. We’ll trail you.”

“Okay.” My voice shakes slightly as the tension rolls out of me over what could have happened.

He cups my face. “It’s okay, baby. I’d never let anyone hurt you. Let’s get going. Your dad’s already hauling ass as fast as he can toward us, so we’ve only gotta make it about two hours.”

I nod, knowing my voice will break if I try to speak.

He straightens and points at TJ, saying something, but it suddenly feels like I’m underwater, his voice muffled and distorted.

Billy pounds his fist on the roof of my car, the noise jarring me back to life. He dips his head and barks, “Babe, start the fucking car.”

I stare blankly at him. His chin pulls to the side.

“Melissa, are you okay?”

Harley leans across me, twisting the key. “She’s fine. We’re good.”

Billy studies me until I pull it together enough to nod and give him a shaky smile. “I’m good. Let’s go.”

He straightens and barks to the others as he jogs to his bike. “Roll out.”

TJ and Marcus follow.

I pull out of the station and make a right turn toward the on-ramp, feeling a little better knowing the Death Heads went straight at this intersection. We get caught at a light.

“Are you really okay?” Harley asks. “I can drive if you need me to.”

“No. I’m good.”

“I cannot believe that just happened.” Harley stares around, like she’s trying to find the Death Heads. “Where the hell did they go?”

“I don’t know.” I check my rearview. The boys are right behind us. Judging by the way their heads are turning, I know they’re looking for those assholes as well. “I thought they were going to start shooting.”

“Yeah, me too. Did you see how Billy stepped up and drew all the attention to himself?”

I bite my lip. “Yeah.”

“And TJ jumping in, and Marcus taking command. Damn, it was kind of hot.” Harley giggles nervously. I know she understands the seriousness of what just happened, and the giggle is probably the release of nervous tension.

“Yeah.” It’s all I can get out. My stomach churns, and I’m afraid I might be sick as it all flashes before my eyes. I could have lost my brother and Billy in one fell swoop. The pounding in my chest tells me my heart is racing, and I feel like I’m hyperventilating. I know I’ve got to pull it together. I take a deep, slow breath and count to four in my head before I release it.

Watching Billy step between us and the Death Heads, prepared to draw the fire on himself to protect us all was brave and terrifying. I don’t know whether I want to hit him or kiss him.

The light finally changes, and I hit the gas. We make it onto the interstate, and I glance at my rearview mirror. All three of the prospects are behind me, riding in a V-shape with Billy in the lead. He looks good leading a pack.

We continue down the interstate another thirty minutes before my car starts vibrating. I glance sideways at Harley. “Shit.”

“Do you think we can make it?” she asks, scrunching up her face as if she’s saying a prayer.

On cue, my car starts violently jerking.

“I’d say no.” I glance around for a place I can stop. I spot a sign for a truck pullover just ahead, and I will my car to make it. As I come to a stop, the engine starts smoking.

“Well, crap.”

Billy rolls his bike next to my door. “Let’s go.”

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