“No time like the present,” I claimed.
“Okay. Sounds good.”
I went inside to grab my keys, and we drove over to where the trouble started. This would be my first time seeing all the boys in action. I pushed the ugly monster of fear back down. We came up to a large warehouse with a parking lot in the back. It had a few neighboring businesses, but not many.
As we parked, I saw Diego with his long hair and greasy towel come to the front of the warehouse. He was there with a few of the other Outlaw Souls members. Vlad happened to be there, too. He was puffing on a cigarette, looking like the Grim Reaper himself.
I looked over at Hector as we approached, and he looked like a scared little rabbit.
Vlad gave me a hard handshake, and Diego brought me in for a warm hug. Two very different men, but brothers nonetheless.
“Hey, hey, if it isn’t Mr. Cowboy himself!” Diego gave me his big rosy smile, a refreshing change from all these diabolical, hard-nosed criminals.
“It’s me.”
“Glad to hear you’re out now,” Diego said, looking hard at Hector.
“Hey, guys, I want you to meet Hector. He’s with me. I wanted to bring him in so he could check out the bikes and see how it’s done, Diego.”
Diego smiled and summoned him in. “For sure. Any friend of Colt’s is a friend of mine.”
I walked a step behind with Vlad. He spoke out the side of his mouth. “If you want back in, just say the word.”
“No. Never again.” I clenched my jaw hard. I was pissed that he was even asking me. Vlad’s cold eyes surveyed me. The guy was pure darkness.
“All right, all right. The operation is much smoother now. We are, you know, doing some things a little differently.” He moved his hands side to side like a weighing scale.
I sneered as we walked over to the bikes resting on the platform station. “I’ve heard that before. No, no. I’m good now, Vlad. Number one, my girl would kill me. Second of all, I did my time. Third, I’m focused on running the farm. Ryder offered me a job here to work with Diego, but given the way Diego and Hector are hitting it off, this might be his gig.”
I nodded at both of them getting on like a house on fire. Hector was talking in an animated fashion and making all kinds of noises.
“You’re right. I commend you, and we will be forever in your debt for not snitching. If you need anything, you call,” Vlad responded.
“I will, brother.”
“Much respect, Colt.” He put a fist to his heart. “I have to slip out. I have errands to run.” He didn’t give me time to respond. The master of darkness, as I liked to call him, slipped away without saying goodbye. I watched his black Jeep ride out.
I returned my gaze back to look at the lineup of bikes. Diego had come a long way from the beginning of opening the Merced chapter. He had three regular guys working in the shop with him, and ten bikes were in front of us, all of them ranging from dirtbikes to choppers to crotch rockets.
“Hector, what do you think?” I asked.
“I’m freaking out right now. That’s the new Ducati. Custom painted. Man, I wish I knew how to fix these beasts. I mean, I got a basic bike, but these puppies are next level.”
“You’re in your element, I see.”
I signaled to Diego. Hector had no idea, as he was busy checking out the chrome detail on the bikes.
“Hey, man, do you think you could take him under your wing, in terms of the shop? Teach him some things?” My voice was lowered from the earshot of Hector.
Diego didn’t hesitate. “Yes. I need an extra pair of hands, and he can help out on the paperwork, too. I’ll teach him the ropes. Leave the kid with me. We’re legit here. I don’t know what Vlad told you, but I wouldn’t even think about heading back that way with him. Never was you, Colt.” He tapped me on the back. “I know you were trying to get money for the family, so I respect it. Stick to your horses.”
“I hear you. I’m not anxious to go back to that hellhole any time soon.”
“Good. Let me talk to him.” Diego winked. “Hey, young man. How about you come work with me? We got some rides going on, too. We head up to Yosemite sometimes. What do you think about that? Twenty dollars per hour as a trial, and as you get better, I’ll raise the salary.”
“Are you serious? Isn’t this supposed to be Colt’s gig?” He looked at me
“This is your gig, brother. I’m happy for you. You’re a better fit for it. Follow your passion.”
