Page 79 of Love, Lies, and Whiskey

“Sometimes. If you want to check us out and meet the guys, the ranch is hosting the club’s Ride Clean anti-drug event in a few weeks. There’ll be food and games, horseback riding, all sorts of fun stuff. No pressure.”

“So, you guys are like badass do-gooders?”

Doc laughed. “You could put it that way.”

Lucas gripped the steering wheel tighter. “Do you ever do bad things?”

“Let’s just say we do whatever it takes to keep the good people of our community safe.”

“I’m taking that as a yes,” he said with a rascally grin. “Why were you at the hospital that day we saw you? We saw a bunch of bikers in the parking lot.”

“That was our annual fundraising event for the hospital called a Reindeer Ride. We go on a ride with the club dressed up for the holiday so people pay attention. It’s a gentle reminder for the community to give back to the hospital and medical staff that’s there for them every day, rain or shine. People donate money for the hospital and gifts for the kids who are in it. After the ride, we visit with each of those kids and give out the presents.”

“Why? I mean, I get the fundraising, but why give kids gifts in the middle of summer and not at Christmas?”

“Because some of them won’t live that long,” Doc said carefully.

“Oh.” Lucas swallowed hard, readjusting his hands on the wheel tighter. “That sucks.”

“Yeah. It’s really sad.” He told Lucas to take the next right, giving him a minute to digest what he’d said. “Each time we do an event like that, it reminds me to be grateful for every little thing I have.”

Lucas’s brow furrowed, as if he was thinking that over as he drove down the street.

“You’re doing great. Take the next right.” After Lucas turned, Doc pointed up ahead. “See that building with the motorcycles parked out front? Pull into that parking lot.”

Lucas did as he asked and stopped in front of the building. Doc watched him taking in the brick wall with the words Dark Knights painted above the club emblem—a skull with dark eyes, sharp brows, and a mouth full of jagged fangs—and Hope Valley Chapter painted below.

“Is that your church?” Lucas asked.

“That’s our clubhouse.”

“Can I go in? Does it have a bar inside?”

Doc was surprised by his interest. “Sorry, but kids aren’t allowed inside. If you ever prospect the club, you’ll see for yourself what it looks like.”

Lucas’s gaze shifted to the open garage bay, where Rebel was working beneath the hood of a classic car. “Is this your club’s auto shop?”

“No. My cousin Rebel rents that bay for his classic car restoration business.”

“Cool.”

Rebel ducked out from under the hood and strode toward the truck with a curious expression. “What’s going on, Doc?” His dark hair hung nearly to his eyes as he looked at Lucas, and said, “Hey.”

“Hi,” Lucas said.

“Rebel, this is”—Doc was surprised by how my son hung on the tip of his tongue, but he didn’t want to make Lucas uncomfortable—“Lucas. Lucas, this is my cousin Rebel.”

The glint in Rebel’s eyes told Doc he’d already made the connection. “How’s it going, Lucas?”

“Not bad. Is that an old Mustang?”

“Sure is. Sixty-five convertible GT. You like old cars?” Rebel asked.

“Heck yeah,” Lucas said excitedly.

Rebel looked at Doc. “You got time for him to take a peek?”

“Sure.”