Denver and the surrounding areas marked up with red circles, lines, and dates. These are all the places Colts Bike was spotted in the last month. Traffic cams, store cameras, club sightings. There's a pattern here, but we're too close to see it. I want fresh eyes. Marcus bent over the map, tracing the red marks. Aurora. Boulder. Denver proper. A cluster near the old industrial area where he'd found Lily. Another near a row of cheap motels off I-25. He's moving in a loop, Marcus murmured. Like he's checking on something. Or someone. Reaper nodded. Go on. These here, Marcus said, pointing to the motel cluster, are all places I've seen from the bus stop. People stay there when they don't want questions. Cash only, no IDs. And here, Reaper tapped the industrial section. Warehouses?
Marcus said. Some empty. Some not. Lots of places to stash things. He hesitated. Or people. Reaper's eyes flashed. You think he's using one as a base? It's what I'd do if I didn't want to be found, Marcus said, if I needed somewhere off the grid. Lily shifted uneasily. Is he there now? Maybe, Marcus said. But I don't think that's all. Look, he connected the red dots with his finger. The line formed a rough triangle. At the center was an unlabeled area between Denver and Aurora. What's here? Reaper's brow furrowed. Old rail yard. Some abandoned storage units. City's been fighting over what to do with it for years. Empty, forgotten, nobody watching, Marcus said. That's where I'd hide if I knew cops and bikers were both looking for me.
Reaper straightened, a new energy in his posture. Wrench, he shouted. Get in here. When Wrench appeared, Reaper jabbed a finger at the map. Rally a small crew. No colors. No patches. We're going to the yard. Wrench nodded and bolted. Reaper turned back to the kids. You're staying here, he told Lily. With two prospects at your door, one in the room, and cameras on every angle. Nobody gets near you without going through them. And me. Lily nodded, trying to be brave but clutching the bear so tight it seemed strained. Then Reaper faced Marcus. You're staying too. Marcus recoiled. No. I helped you figure out where he might be. I'm coming. This isn't a vote, Reaper said. Marcus stood, fists clenched. He might know something about my mom. About Sarah.
About why our lives are tied up in this mess. That's exactly why you're not coming. Reaper shot back. Because if Colt knows how to hurt me, he'll use you to do it. If you walk out that door and something happens to you, I'll never get answers. Marcus said, voice trembling with anger, 'You think that's better?' Reaper flinched like he'd been slapped for a second. The room crackled with unspoken words. Reaper ran a hand over his face, then exhaled. You're a stubborn kid, he said. Wonder where I get it from, Marcus replied. A ghost of a smile flickered. Then Reaper did something that surprised them both.
He stepped forward and placed a hand on Marcus' shoulder, not heavy or controlling— just there. You stay, he said quietly. Not because you're weak, but because you're the strongest leverage Colt could get his hands on. I'm not handing you to him. Marcus swallowed. The touch burned through his hoodie like a brand. What if you don't come back, he asked. Reaper's grip tightened. Then Wrench knows what to do with those papers, he said. The DNA test. The police files. The detective's number. You'll have everything I have. And the club. He glanced toward the hallway, where boots thudded and engines rumbled awake in the distance. The club will be yours as much as it is Lily's. You're both mine, whether you want to be or not. Marcus didn't know what to do with that.
This sudden claiming from a man who'd been a myth his whole life. I don't want your club, he said. I want my mother alive. Reaper's eyes softened with something like grief. So do I, kid, he said. But wanting doesn't change the past. What we do now, right now, that's all we can control. He turned to leave, then stopped at the door. Lock this behind me, he told Wrench. Who'd returned with two younger bikers in tow. Nobody opens it unless you see my face. Wrench nodded. You got it. Reaper gave one last look at Lily, then at Marcus. It lingered a heartbeat longer on the boy, like he wanted to say something else but didn't trust himself to find the words. Then he was gone, boots pounding down the hall.
The roar of motorcycles swelling as engines turned over one by one. The door shut with a heavy click. The lock slid into place. Lily slid off the couch and ran to the window, pressing her face to the glass. I can't see him, she whispered. Marcus joined her. From this angle, they could only see the edge of the lot, the faint glow of headlights cutting through the winter gray as the first bikes pulled out. The sound grew, then faded as the convoy headed toward the old rail yard, and whatever waited there. Do you think he'll catch Colt? Lily asked. Marcus didn't answer right away. He watched the last light disappear into the distance, then looked down at Lily, at the bear at the locked door and the map still spread open on the table.