Chapter 7 - The Open Road
Three Months Later
The California sun beat down hard on the coastal highway. The Pacific Ocean glittered like a bed of diamonds to the right, while the rugged mountains stood tall to the left.
A pack of thirty motorcycles roared down the blacktop, moving in perfect, rumbling unison. The Iron Hounds had rebuilt.
At the front of the pack rode Brick. His scars had healed, though he walked with a slight limp now—a permanent reminder of the steel mill. But as the wind whipped past him, he didn't feel the pain. He felt peace.
Riding in the custom sidecar attached to Brick’s massive Harley Davidson was Leo. The boy looked completely different from the terrified, filthy child who had stormed into the bar months ago. He was wearing a custom-fitted leather vest, a pair of dark aviator sunglasses, and a wide, beaming smile. Stitched onto the back of his vest was a small patch: Iron Hound - Junior Prospect.
The Syndicate had been utterly dissolved following the loss of their leader. Word had spread through the underworld that the Iron Hounds had honored Elias's blood oath, and out of deep respect—and healthy fear—the boy was declared untouchable. Elias's debt was paid, but Brick had gained something far more valuable than a clean ledger. He had found a son.
Brick revved the engine, the roar of the exhaust making Leo laugh out loud, a sound that cut beautifully through the noise of the road.
May you like
Brick reached over and gave the boy's shoulder an affectionate squeeze. Leo reached into his pocket and pulled out the gold coin. It was completely clean now, polished to a mirror shine. He flipped it into the air, caught it, and tucked it safely away. They didn't need ghosts anymore. They had each other.
They leaned into the curve, riding together into the endless, golden sunset.
