Unlike the others, Dice has no military background. He's young. In his twenties and still learning discipline. What he lacks in training, he makes up for in loyalty and enthusiasm. Sometimes too much enthusiasm.
He rushes toward the cabin door, not bothering to scan the surroundings or check for potential threats. Just charges straight ahead, pounding on the door like he's trying to break it down.
"Knight!" he shouts. "Open up, brother!"
I sigh, shaking my head. The kid's a good prospect, a solid brother to have at your back in a fight, but goddamn, his lack of tactical awareness is going to get him killed someday.
Blade and Viper approach more cautiously, eyes scanning the perimeter, hands near their concealed weapons. They, at least, understand operational security.
"Your friends are here," Beth says, emerging from the bathroom. "I heard the bikes."
"Yeah," I confirm. "Dice, Blade, and Viper. Dice is the other prospect. Young, enthusiastic, bit of a wild card. Blade and Viper are full members. Both ex-military, solid men."
She nods, but I can see apprehension in her eyes. "Will they... what should I expect?"
I move to her, placing my hands on her shoulders. "They're here to protect you, same as me. Follow my lead, answer their questions honestly, and you'll be fine. They're good men, Beth."
Dice pounds on the door again. "Knight! You alive in there, brother?"
"I'd better let them in before he breaks the door down," I smile. "Ready?"
Beth takes a deep breath, then nods. "Ready."
I move to the door, checking through the peephole before disengaging the locks. Time to introduce Beth to the brotherhood that will help keep her alive for the next two days.
Whether she's ready for it or not, the full force of Outlaw Order is about to become part of her life.
Chapter 10 - Beth
Knight opens the door, and I get my first look at the men who will help keep me alive for the next two days. My stomach knots with anxiety, my fingers fidgeting with the hem of the borrowed t-shirt.
The young man at the front… Dice, I presume, practically bounces into the cabin. He's lean and wiry, with shaggy brown hair and an energy that fills the room instantly. His face breaks into a wide grin when he spots Knight.
"Finally! What, were you in the shower or something?" His gaze shifts to me, my wet hair, then back to Knight’s, his grin turning mischievous. "Oh. Guess you were."
Behind him, two more imposing figures enter. One is tall and broad-shouldered with close-cropped black hair and a face that seems permanently set in a scowl. The other is leaner but no less intimidating, with tattoos visible at his neckline and sharp, assessing eyes that miss nothing.
"Blade, Viper," Knight acknowledges them with a nod. "You made good time."
"Reaper's orders," one replies. His gaze sweeps over me. "This the witness?"
Knight steps to my side, a subtle but clear gesture of protection. "This is Beth Carter. Beth, this is Dice, Blade, and Viper."
I manage a small nod. "Thank you for coming."
Blade, the scowling one, merely grunts in response. Viper gives me a curt nod. Dice, however, approaches with his hand extended.
"Nice to meet you, Beth! Don't mind these two. They're actually teddy bears once you get past all the..." he waves vaguely at their imposing presence, "...you know."
"Dice," Knight warns, but there's no real heat in it.
"What? Just being friendly." Dice turns to Knight. "So, what's the plan? Reaper said we need to get to Denver."
"We leave in ten minutes," Knight confirms. "Beth and I will take the Jeep. You three follow on bikes. We'll use different routes, rendezvous in Denver."
Blade speaks for the first time, his voice deep and gravelly. "Security protocols for the journey?"
"Standard convoy formation. Dice leads as scout, you and Viper flank. Maintain visual but keep distance. Comms check every thirty minutes. If we lose contact, rally at the backup point."
