Chapter 6: The American Dream

Friday morning became a culmination of events, as the guys looked at an empty lot and nothing to do. Jake had JT and Piney bring their bikes inside and both were given a thorough going over. Every filter was changed, tires changed and set to the right pressure, every point on the bike that moved one way or another, was lubricated and made to operate smoothly. Jake looked them over after they were done and had JT start his first. He waited until it was warmed up and then listened to the engine, giving the throttle little twists to hear the response. He adjusted the carb and the timing, getting it to idle smoothly, the exhaust sounding sweeter in tone. He revved it up and let the throttle go and watched for the engine's response, happy with the way it performed.

“Start yours up now, Piney. Let's see if we can make this old Indian sing a war cry again. The paint came out nice, looks good. Indian's are lucky to have DuPont in their corner, they like to show off their paints on the bikes. Harley-Davidson should take some lessons from them. Smart looking bike. Okay, let's hear it, son, let her rip.”

Piney and JT heard the first use of the word son come out and wondered what brought that out. Piney, gave the throttle a prime and then the starter, rising up and kicking down hard. The twin cylinders came to life instantly, rumbling out the slash tip pipes and echoing in the yard. Jake waited until it idled and did a few minor adjustments and checked it out.

“Damn, Piney, your dad would be real happy to see and hear his bike like this again. I think we should go see him after work and show him the bikes and the hard work you've put into them. You should be proud boys, either one of those bikes is worth having and riding. I know I'll be asking to have a turn on them.”

JT and Piney looked at each other and then back to Jake. The same thought was shared between them and both offered their bikes to Jake.

“Be my guest, Jake. I'd be happy if you did take it. You'll know right off if something isn't right, long before I do.”

“Same with mine, Jake. I made it look pretty, but it wouldn't be running as nice as it is, if you didn't work your magic on it. Dad's going to be real happy when he sees it, thanks to me, but he's going to be happy with you, when he hears it.”

Jake smiled at them, raising his eyebrows and looking at them to make sure. The guys assured him they would be honoured if he took the first ride. Jake sat on Piney's bike and walked it out of the garage backwards, then turned and put it in gear. The bike started off smoothly, no hesitation to want to go, as Jake gave it a bit of throttle. The sound reverberated back to the guys and they smiled, hearing the power and tone come to them. JT backed his bike out and got it ready for Jake, when he came back from riding Piney's. They stood against the wall of the office, lighting up cigarettes and enjoying the sun shining on them.

“Just think, Piney. It was barely a week ago that we boosted that Impala and talked about getting bikes and starting a club. That was just an idea I had and look what we have, man. Bikes, a clubhouse, jobs, chicks and guys we can call brother and ride with. Like, how did all that happen so fast?”

“JT, I've always known that you can put your mind to something and figure on how to make it work. I know I don't have those smarts and most likely, never will. You saw something that day in your head and you knew it was something good, something right. You've always had a good heart, brother, knew it since we were kids. You were the only kid who would talk to me and play with me in school. You knew I wasn't the sharpest tool in the shed, but you stuck up for me and didn't mind it. That day when I saw you get humped on by Dave, Kenny and Robbie, I saw red and lost it. It hurt me in here, JT, in my heart. I loved you like a brother ever since and I know you've loved me the same. I don't have much of anything I can say I ever counted on, but I know I can count on you, like you can with me.”

“Always, brother, always. We're just two spirits wandering through life and we found we had a connection and began moving through it together. It's like, I can't imagine my life without you in it. It's like, you've always been there, no matter what shit happens to us. Yeah, we can always count on each other, Piney, no matter what.”

JT and Piney shook and hugged, affirming their connection as brothers, then leaned against the warm wall and let the sun splash on their faces, as they finished their cigarettes. The faint throb in the air, let them know Jake was coming back. As it got closer, they could hear Jake was letting it out and then started to slow and downshift. He pulled in the lot and roared up to the bay.

JT and Piney could see the smile on his face, knowing the ride had impressed him enough to cause it.

“How was she, Jake?”

“Piney, you are gonna love it. She rides smooth and she has lots of go in her yet.”

“Yeah, we heard you coming up the road, it sounded good.”

“Mine's all ready for you Jake. Jump on and take her out, let me know how it is.”

Jake went over and started it up easily, the engine warmed and ready to go. He revved it a couple times and let it coast around and then twisted the throttle and let it rev up close to the limit. JT and Piney cheered Jake, as he waved back at them. He turned left and the guys listened, as Jake let the engine wind out between gears, getting the most power out of every gear. The sound brought an excitement to them, knowing they would shortly be in control of that power themselves. Piney sat on his bike and enjoyed the feel of it, as JT looked it over.

“You gonna paint yours, JT, or leave it as is?”

“Right now, I don't mind the army look, but yeah, looking at yours and Otto's, I'd like to paint it up nice. Do the frame all black like Jake's, not sure what colour I would like it to be, but I wouldn't mind something like Otto's, that has a few colours to it.”

“Yeah, I like that look, too. I like that metallic he used on the orange part, that's sharp, man, real sharp.”

JT nodded, trying to imagine a paint scheme in his head and putting colour to it, when the roar of the engine blared out to them. Jake must have been enjoying himself immensely, his smile broad and heartfelt, as he pulled into the lot and stopped where he started from.

“I love this bike, not saying yours isn't good, Piney, just that it brought back memories, of my days riding one like it in France. Felt like I was running the course again between posts and looking for Jerry. Good running bike, JT, not a thing wrong with it. So, what say we get mine going and we go for a run. Let's go to...Black Mountain and back, there's some good roads to ride and give the bikes a chance to get settled in to running again.”

JT and Piney started their bikes and waited for Jake. He kicked it hard and it fired up easily, not needing much to warm up and be ready to go. Jake put his helmet and goggles on, then looked over at the guys.

“You might want to think about something for your head to wear and definitely get something for your eyes. Won't take but one bug, or stone to make you decide, trust me. Get a bug in your eye, better get prepared to hang on and ride out some big pain there, it's gonna hurt.”

Jake's warning had JT and Piney thinking, knowing what the pain Jake described would feel like and compounding that with holding a bike up at the same time, made sense to them.

“Let's stop somewhere, so Piney and I can get some sunglasses then, that should work for now. We'll figure on head gear later.”

Jake nodded and motioned with his arm to follow. For the first time, the lot was alive with the sound of motorcycle thunder, riding out of the gate in unison. They rode together, Jake out front leading and JT and Piney riding side by side, discussing how their bikes were. Smiles were broad and well worn, as the first mile was passed. Jake pulled into a convenience store and the guys went in to buy sunglasses. After looking at several styles, they bought the ones they liked and went back out wearing them, acting like stars with them on. Jake laughed and told them to get on, firing up his bike, then JT and Piney did as well. The clerk came to the window to look at them, feeling the vibration through it. She stared at them as they left, seeing the freedom they must have been feeling, their hair blowing back in the wind, unconfined by the worries of other men and safety, fully in control of their destiny, as engines were given a free rein to go. She could feel how it aroused her inside and smiled at them, something sensual stirring in her loins, as she walked back behind the counter.

Jake took them west along Kettleman Lane through Lodi and picked up the I-5 hwy. and headed south. He had each of them ride beside him, so he could look the bikes over, as they rode, looking for anything wrong. Once he was sure they were okay, he gave his Panhead a good twist of the throttle and his bike roared ahead of them, climbing up to seventy miles an hour. JT and Piney followed suit and closed the distance between them and stayed at the safe distance Jake told them to. Jake leaned into the bend, as it swept to the right, taking the cutoff to I-205 towards the coast. Smiles grew bigger, as they followed his lead and cruised behind him, feeling themselves become more like one with the bikes. Man and machine uniting in a common bond to move forward, each depending on the other to accomplish their duty to perform.

When the road straightened, he looked back and smiled at the guys then turned back and twisted his throttle wide open. The light blue Harley belted out its cadence rapidly, as Jake went faster still. JT and Piney weren't sure enough about their bikes to go that fast yet, so Jake backed off and the Harley burped and popped with the back pressure as it slowed down again. JT and Piney caught up and they formed their triangle once again, moving as one entity on the road.

The flat farmland of the valley gave way to the view of foothills in the distance, as they skirted past the small town of Tracy. It wasn't long before the road began to climb up, as the hills began, along with the I-580. The air cooled, as they went higher, but Jake kept up the same speed, riding comfortably with one hand on the throttle, his eyes ever vigil for the signs of police cars. They crested the mountain and began descending, coming up on Livermore. Jake pulled into a roadside diner and stopped near the door, Piney and JT doing the same. They shut off the bikes and did their best to untangle their hair, as Jake took off his helmet and ran his fingers through his shaggy hair and smiled at them. They gave up and joined him, walking inside and finding a table by the window.

They sat and waited, looking at the menus and shortly, a forty something woman, dyed blonde hair and a decent display of feminine wares showing in the front, came over to take their order. She looked them over and then noticed the bikes out front.

“You with the other guys? They left about ten minutes ago, you just missed them.”

She could see the looks from them, that they didn't know what she was talking about.

“The other bikers that were here. Around ten of them. Had jean vests with patches on them. Oh, you don't have patches. So, you're not with them?”

Jake looked at her and smiled, shaking his head.

“Sorry, darlin', not us. We just like riding motorcycles. No club members here. So, which way did they go?”

“Took off towards the bay, Oakland, I think.”

Jake just shrugged his shoulders to dismiss it, but he was more concerned about running into them and worried about invading their turf. Things had changed since he rode and the clubs he met up with, up and down the coast. Somewhere, it had all turned bad and the whole image of motorcycle clubs was changing and not for the good.

“Well, I hope they have a nice ride. Me, I'd like to try your house special, it looks okay.”

The waitress wrote down his order and looked to JT and Piney.

“Sounds good, I'll have one too.”

“Make it three and it's easy.”

She smiled at JT, as he shot her a smile.

“What would you like to drink with that?”

Coffees were the choice and she wrote it down, peeking up to look at JT. She smiled and said she'd be back with their coffees. She went and put their order in and poured three cups and tucked sugar and cream packets in her apron. She balanced the two cups in one hand and picked up the third and moved gracefully back to the table, placing all the cups nicely in front of everyone. She took out the cream and sugar and placed it on the table and left to stand behind the counter.

Jake looked at JT and glanced at the waitress, then back, whispering to him.

“Think Karen has an eye for you there, JT. Just as much came right out and said hi, I'm yours.”

JT looked at Jake and glanced as casually as he could, over at Karen and noticed she was looking at him. They made eye contact and she smiled her prettiest at him. JT smiled back and turned his attention to Jake again.

“Looks like. Looked at me right now, like she'd devour me. Never been with a woman who's older than me.”

“Oh, JT. Have you got some living to do, my son, my son. You have no idea what lovin' is all about, until you've been with a woman who's been there, seen it and done it. It's not all hurried and fuck like rabbits, no, no, no. An older woman wants to take time, enjoy everything and make it last. She'll teach you things about pleasing them and you, no young hotsy-totsy is ever going to do. Take my girl, Marlene for instance.”

Jake stopped, just as Karen walked up with their orders. Once again, she placed them nicely in front of everyone, then asked if they'd like more coffee, her eyes never leaving JT's. He said sure, even though no one said if they did, getting her smile to come out broader and more suggestive. Her hips gained a little more sway in them, as she went back for the pot. She came back and topped off everyone's cup and placed more sugar and cream on the table. As she went to go, she casually placed her hand on JT's shoulder and turned back.

“Just call if you need anything.”

They thanked her, but she was more interested in JT's response, which was turning and looking up and winking at her. Her smile brightened and she bounced off to serve other tables.

“Put some pep in her step, JT. Get a night with her and she'd just eat you up. That's the kind of older woman I'm talking about. To you that is. Hell, I'm almost old enough to be her dad, but I'd give her a go if she let me.”

JT looked at Jake and was enamoured by him in so many ways. One minute he was talking like a father to him and calling him son, then he would be just as bold and blunt as his buddies, talking about bikes and chicks. His compassion for Stan and Piney, in their loss and his honour in commemorating it. His take on life and how it shadowed his own, making his own decisions on right and wrong. He reflected on the changes in his own life because of him and put it down to the trust and respect he bestowed in him. Hearing him now, telling him he should experience the pleasures of an older woman, then he remembered Jake was going to tell them about Marlene.

“So, back to Marlene. You were going to tell us about her. What little goodies can you share about her?”

Jake looked about and leaned forward, keeping his voice to a whisper.

“She can suck a cock like you've never imagined. No gagging with her. Just loves to enjoy it. That's how she woke me up the other morning. She knows more positions to get into, than I ever imagined. I thought I'd been around some and done a few things, but after being with her, all those years, I knew squat. Turns out her husband spends more time making money, than enjoying it. Poor Marlene sat at home being bored and neglected, so she wanted sex and lots of it and she knew who to turn to when she wanted it, me. She got a hold of these books about sex positions and stuff, from the east some where and figured on trying them with me. Jesus, boys, honestly, some of the things we did, I didn't think were humanly possible to accomplish, but we did it and man, just....just trust me, when I say, if you want to know what sex is, more than just fucking, don't pass up a chance with an older woman that you get to share some valuable life lessons with.”

JT and Piney sat there, hanging on every word, engrossed in the secret world of sex, being shared by an elder, experienced in the pleasures of the unknown. They finished their meals and coffee and JT looked around for Karen and caught her attention. He motioned for the check and she went to the counter and then came over and handed it to him, then she walked back to the cash register and waited for him. Jake gave him a ten dollar bill and told JT to tip her nice. JT took the money and the bill and then noticed the writing on it. She had put her name on it, but added a tiny heart after it and an arrow. He turned it over and saw her phone number, then smiled and walked over.

Piney and Jake watched, as JT shared some words with her and she responded with smiles and whispered comments. JT shook her hand and she didn't want the connection to end, letting it hang on, until he walked away from her tucking her number in his pocket. JT was smiling, as he motioned for them to go and Jake and Piney joined him, as they walked outside. Jake had everyone check their gas for the ride back and felt a ride down the road to the station was the best idea. The guys donned their new shades, as Jake put on his helmet and goggles, then one by one, they let everyone in a one hundred yard radius know, they were ready to ride.

They rode down 580 into Livermore and pulled into the first station a mile away. All of them topped up and Jake went in to pay. As the guys sat on the bikes waiting, they could hear the far off rumble of motorcycles coming. They looked down the road for the source, waiting to see what came around the bend. One by one, bikes started coming around the bend into view, the sound of their engines increasing. Jake came out and stood with the guys, watching the growing spectacle, of a club riding together. Eyes made contact with them, looking at each other as they passed.

Jake wasn't showing any emotion to the club, but something JT could see on his face, said he had issues with it. He had no idea what it was, but the look he wore made him concerned. There was no hope in talking, as the deafening roar of thirty bikes was captured in the concrete canyon. Eventually, the end riders came into view and rode past, staying in formation, then began becoming a fading rumble of sound, as they crested the hill and disappeared over the other side of it.

JT and Piney looked as amazed, as kids watching a parade, while Jake just stood firm, his head turned and his eyes focused on the hill, a set on his face that showed his inner feelings on what he saw.

“Holy shit, that was awesome, man. Fucking spectacular. I could feel it in my feet, the ground was shaking so much. See, Piney, that's what I was talking about, when I said what it would be like if we have a dozen riders together. You can feel it and hear it, all that power in the air and we'll be leading it.”

Jake heard JT's feelings on what happened, then added his own.

“JT, it is great to ride out in front of your club. It's a proud moment in any man's life, when his brother's choose him to lead. You have to always remember though, that with that power to lead, comes a responsibility for each and every member who is riding behind you. You lead them to a destination on every ride and it's up to you to decide if it's a safe road, or one filled with trouble and danger.”

JT understood what Jake was saying, but knew that more lay between the lines of what he said. He decided the direction the club would take in life, whether it was a legitimate organization, or one that shunned law altogether.

“I understand, Jake, but you have to admit, that looked out of this world awesome.”

Jake could see how taken JT was by the spectacle and then shared what he knew and they didn't.

“Do you know where they're going? Do you know the purpose of that run they're making? I know you don't, because if you saw what I saw, you wouldn't be thinking the way you are now.”

JT and Piney looked at Jake, trying to figure out what they missed and Jake knew they didn't have a clue.

“You didn't see the guns they had. I saw a few that were showing from under their cuts and know they're going somewhere to make a point with them. With who, I don't know, but you don't ride with that many guys and carry guns, just to club ride. That's what I'm talking about.”

JT and Piney were aghast at the mention of guns. They were shocked that they hadn't even noticed and how unaware they were when they looked at something. Jake was once again opening their eyes to the reality of things, things that killed men and dreams.

“No fucking way, Jake. They all had guns?”

“I didn't see if every guy had one, but I saw enough, to guess every one was packing one. That's not the type of club you want to lead JT, trust me. If you do, you'll be saying goodbye to a lot of your brothers and that shows a lack of love for them, if you're willing to drive down the road filled with danger and trouble.”

JT thought hard on what Jake was telling him. His responsibilities were not only to himself, but to every member, as it was in his hands to decide. He looked back at the hill the bikes went over, imagining now if that was as exciting as he previously thought. Jake saw the mood had turned serious and didn't want them to dwell on it too much and distract them from the ride back.

“JT, you too, Piney, just think more on where you want this club to go, before you get into anything. Only takes one thing to set a whole lot of trouble in motion. Anyway, think on that later. Let's get these bikes back on the road, we have to go show them off to a man, who will be very pleased to see them.”

Jake's mention of Piney's dad brought the focus of the ride back to them, but the knowledge shared, was now being processed in each of their heads, as they broke the calm and brought the engines to life. The ride back, brought the wind in their faces again, smiles forming more with every corner they leaned in to. Jake drove back east along I-580 and back over the mountain ridge, heading down to the valley. The big sweeping curve to the right, had them skirting the base of it, as they headed south.

The land was arid and dry, almost desert like, save a few sparse outcroppings of vegetation. It was like a line of green painted on the horizon, as they approached the thousands of acres of orchards and crops. Jake pointed it out and shouted as loud as he could, that they were at the viaduct and would be heading back after they got off the 580.

Jake took the long, sweeping cutoff to SR132, rising up on the overpass, giving a panoramic view of the plantations. Piney almost lost control, becoming too engrossed in the scenery and had to slow down and get a handle on it again, before he caught up to JT and showed his fright. JT laughed and gave his bike a bit more throttle, leaving him behind. Piney came off the curve and twisted his harder, hearing the V twin blare out the power through the exhaust. JT caught up to Jake and swung around him on the left and then Piney followed after. Jake twisted his throttle, a smile coming to his face, as the straight away stretched out before them.

JT kept his throttle full, letting the bike go to its limit in top gear. Piney began closing the distance, the Indian twin more powerful and Piney smiled, as he leaned into the wind to cut down drag. Just as they got neck and neck, Jake's bike roared past them both in the opposite lane, leaving them both behind. When Jake had proved he beat them, he backed off on the throttle and the engine burped and belched, as the pressure released slowly. JT and Piney caught up and then Jake motioned to slow right down, that they would be taking the off ramp on the clover leaf up ahead. They formed a line and leaned into the circular curve, keeping the speed well above the posted caution limit, then began roaring along I-5 again and back towards Lodi.

The long, straight road brought back higher speeds, as eyes travelled back and forth for signs of the law. They came to where the 205 cut off started and headed east on SR120 taking a different way back. They were coming up on Manteca, where they would take the ramp to go north on SR99 towards Sacramento, when something caught Jake's eye and he began slowing down. JT and Piney spotted it too and wondered what it was, Coming closer, it became evident what was causing the flashes of light.

It took little for three veterans to understand the need to take action and twisted the throttles as much as they could, taking the sweeping bend to the left to avoid the gunfight. The club they saw earlier, was engaged in a gun battle with another club, from what they could tell. Staying low on the bike, JT looked over, at the scene, seeing bodies and bikes on the ground, flashes going off repeatedly.

They escaped unscathed and kept looking back over their shoulders, eyeing the scene behind them. They followed Jake's lead and stayed low and sped up as the road straightened. They came up to the first interchange and a quick look to the left, they saw numerous police cars heading towards the scene, but two took the on ramp to the direction they were going. Jake knew they were safe now and had no reason to worry and began slowing down, as the cruisers approached. The lights and siren had them pulling over and were shortly cut off on both ends, the officers getting out with guns drawn and taking cover behind their vehicles.

“On the ground, now! Hands above your heads, Now! Do it!”

There was no hesitation by them, as they got off their bikes and laid face down and put their hands behind their heads. One officer came over with his gun pointed at them and began frisking them, checking for weapons, while the other radioed in they had them and continued covering them with his weapon as well. When they were satisfied they weren't armed, they asked for identification and the guys reached in their pockets and took their wallets out and showed it to them. The officer took it and gave it to the other officer, who ran them through the system. Jake looked at the cop and got his attention.

“We're not part of that back there. We just came to the interchange, when we saw the gangs shooting at each other, so we got the hell out of there. You can see we don't have patches on our backs.”

The cop let them sit on the ground, as he waited for the information on them to come back.

“Do you know who those guys are back there?”

“Satan's Disciples and the El Locos. There's been something going on between them for some time now. Guess it happened. So what did you see?

They began explaining the scene and the carnage of man and machine. By the time they finished telling them of all they knew, the officer was guessing it was a chance meeting, or a planned ambush, or maybe a bit of both. The other cop came over with their identifications and handed them back, saying they came back clean. The first officer moved his cruiser out of the way, allowing the guys to start their bikes again and pull out on the highway again.

The mood became a sobering moment in riding for them, as they cruised in silence, reflecting on the event. The next thirty miles back up 99 and across to Charming, had their first ride over and filled with much to digest about a club and the reality of what they were up against. They pulled up in front of Piney's parents house and backed in on an angle, then shut the bikes off. Before the echo of the engines wore away, Stan was out of the house and coming to them, followed by Lorelei. Stan greeted Jake warmly and hugged both JT and Piney, then grinned at seeing the bikes. Lorelei said hello to Jake, but quickly went to Piney and JT and loved on them. Under the circumstances, neither objected to it and returned it with the same affection to her, despite eyes peering out of windows at them.

Stan took a quick look at Jake's and JT's bikes, but couldn't wait to see his old bike again, now that his son had taken away years of neglect and brought it back to its former glory. He looked at him, the pride he was feeling beaming from him. Piney told him to sit on it and see if it felt the same. His dad sat on it and immediately sat like a seasoned rider.

“Dad, take it around the block, it runs great. Jake did a fantastic job in getting it tuned up.”

Stan looked at Piney and then back at Lorelei and saw the nod to go ahead. Stan gave a try at starting, but the heat of the ride had the pistons tight against the cylinder walls, making it hard to turn over. Piney offered and put his weight to it and had it running. Stan thanked him and sat on it, revving the engine and enjoying the feel again. He clutched and shifted into first, letting the clutch out and feeling the joy of his spirit, being freed for the first time since he stored it away with the bike.

He rode down the street, going through the gears, as if he had been riding it all along. He stopped and turned around, then came back, giving it more throttle this time and enjoying the thrill of speed. He pulled up in front of the house and stopped, a look of giddiness on his face, then he stopped the engine and backed it in again, putting the stand down.

He got off and looked at it, taking in all it's former beauty and the way it looked now, feeling nostalgic for her in his heart.

“Yes, very nicely done son. Very nice. I really hope you have as much fun on it like I did and take good care of it, not like I did.”

The little poke at himself had them chuckle, but everyone could see how emotional Stan was at that moment. Looking at two parts of himself that were once separated, now becoming one, he teared up, knowing his life was being carried on through his son, that a part of his spirit, his dream, was continuing with him. He hugged him proudly and Piney did the same to him, thanking him for the bike and the forgiveness of past digressions.

Lorelei had them all come inside to make something to eat and drink for them, the guys happy to be doted over, only asking for coffee, or tea, knowing it made her feel good and kept the thoughts of Lester, in the silence of her heart. As they sat in the living room and Lorelei went into the kitchen to prepare things, Stan told them of the notice that Lester was coming home tomorrow and the funeral two days after. They all said they would be here at the house and ready to go as one to greet the plane with him, making Stan smile a sad smile, doing his best not to regress into a grieving father.

Lorelei brought out a tray, with cups and the coffee pot and poured a cup for everyone. She let them add milk and sugar, while she went back in and continued making sandwiches. Jake waited until she was out of earshot, then told Stan about the events that happened on their way there. JT and Piney confirmed it, adding their take on it, as well. Jake stressed to him about the dire situation developing along the coast with motorcycle clubs, now turning to crime and fights breaking out over turf wars. He was worried about taking the boys for the ride he promised Stan he would do, in light of this development.

Stan understood, thinking of safety above all and realized that the road wasn't as friendly a place as it used to be and it didn't always lead to new adventures and meeting people. A sadness came over him and they knew the reason.

“Don't worry, dad. We'll find a way to have a trip like you wanted us to.”

Stan's smile began reappearing and patted his son's knee. Lorelei came out with a platter of assorted sandwiches and put them on the table, happily inviting everyone to dig in and eat. She stood for a moment watching, until hands dug in and began eating, then she went back into the kitchen.

“How's mom doing, dad?”

“She has her moments, son. Trust me. This is a good one.”

Piney understood and his smile was bittersweet. They decided on eating, to fill the silence that arose between them, a plausible excuse not to say anything more to depress the situation. Once their cups were empty and all the sandwiches eaten, due to Lorelei's prompting to finish them, they thanked her and said they had to get back to the shop, to close up. Warm exchanges were given, as they left the house, then curtains were once again pulled open, to see why the windows were rattling. The three riders rode out single file, keeping their speed and noise down. Pulling onto the main street, the throttles were twisted harder, as they headed into Charming.

Heads began turning to them, young boys looking in awe, young women looking with aroused interest. Many just looked at them stone faced, unsure if they were to be even considered desirables. The sound left an impression in every one of them and they would remember that feeling, no matter how it made them think. The guys twisted the throttles a little more, as they left the downtown core and on towards the shop. Once again, the reverberating thunder of all three bikes rang between the walls, as they pulled in. They pulled up to the office and saw a Triumph Thunderbird parked beside the wall. They stopped and got off and Jake called out.

“Clay. Clay.”

The guys turned and saw him coming out of the clubhouse, waving to them as he walked over. Jake called Clay to him and asked him first about his grandfather.

“How is Lionel holding up, Clay.?”

“He's hanging in there still, Jake. He's tough. Mom is sitting with him and she'll phone if there's a change. Figured I better get back and help do some work.....but......I see you've got that handled.”

“Clay, I'd like you to meet JT and this is Piney. They'll be helping out here now. Got some ideas for business I want to talk to you about, when you come in on Monday.”

“Great, be here at eight. So, when did you get the barn opened and cleaned up? What are you building in there?”

“That, is something else I need to talk to you about, now.”

Jake led Clay away and told him about JT and Piney, the club that was forming and the clubhouse now taking shape. He told him about the events that had happened while he was away and brought him up to speed. Finally, he let him know about JT being given the manager position and made sure he described the duties to him well, so he knew it was everything he wanted to avoid. He took it well and agreed Jake needed to get away and was happy he was more or less on his own in the shop and only answered to JT about parts and supplies needed and used.

They walked back over and Clay went straight to Piney and offered his condolences to him. Piney shook his hand and thanked him. They offered their hopes his grandfather would get past this and live for many years to come. There was an ease in the unknown, as shared feelings of family made a tie. JT made the first offer of friendship and offered to show him around the clubhouse, but first, he wanted to see his bike and talk about the differences between British bikes and American made iron horses. It seemed to be the uniting factor for everyone, as they went over and looked at the Thunderbird and then the Indian and Harleys. Twenty minutes and they were blending in together, meshing under one banner, biker.

The tour of the clubhouse and everything planned for it, had Clay feeling disheartened about it. JT could see he was looking a little less happier than he thought he would.

“What's up? Look a little down about something there, Clay.”

“All this. You guys have a great thing going here, I really dig it. Thing is, I'm going in next year. I got to finish my year in college and go to boot right after.”

“Clay, take it from any of us that have been there. Join the paratroopers. As scary as that sounds, trust me, we all did it, made it through our tours, listened to what we were told and came home again. Look at this way, you can jump from a plane and float to the ground, then hump it a couple clicks to the front, or, you hump it ten or twenty clicks and then get into it. One way or the other, you're getting into it. You decide, but that seemed to work out best for us on two tours. Don't forget to think of where you're going to go, on your reenlist trip.”

“My what?”

“They didn't tell you? If you finish your first tour and sign up for another, you get a furlough of your choice, where you want to go, before you start your next tour. Sort of a bonus for staying alive the first time, so they can see if you're good enough to do it again.” Clay thought about what JT was saying, judging for himself the differences in danger, one way, or the other.

“Where did you guys go?”

“Hawaii. Lived on base, but you have leave to go just about anywhere, like a tourist. Just have to be ready for the transport and don't be late, when it's time to go.”

Clay took it as a good deal, never having been on a trip any further than a couple of hundred miles with his parents. It brought back the memory of them and being killed on vacation, while he was at his grandparents and never seeing them alive again. Now his grandfather was passing away and his grandmother wouldn't be around much longer, ending any ties to family for him. Seeing the world on Uncle Sam's dime, sounded good to him.

“Vacation sounds good. Nice to get away from it all and relax, before it's time to go back to work.”

His sarcastic humour had the guys laughing and they found themselves warming up to Clay. JT made an offer that settled Clay's despondency and made him feel some worth to them.

“Tell you what, Clay. When you finish in 'Nam and come home, you still want to join, we'll have a spot for you waiting. Only one thing you have to do.”

“What's that?”

Get an American Bike. The Triumph is nice, but it's not a great bike for long cruises, like we're going on.”

Clay took offence to JT saying his bike wasn't as good as his American made one.

“My Thunderbird can ride all day with any one of those bikes out there. Just as fast, or faster.”

JT heard the challenge and took him up on it. Once it was met, it was game on for the both of them, as they headed to their bikes. Jake stopped sweeping and watched them.

“Where you boys going?”

“Settle a little bet, Jake. Clay says his Limey bike is better and faster than American muscle, so we're going to see who eats their words.”

“I can tell you right off, the Triumph will beat you off the start and kick your ass in cornering, so you better be prepared to see just how fast you can go, because that's the only way you'll beat that Triumph. Well, that and a long distance ride. Triumphs are notoriously bad bikes for breaking down on long rides. Too much vibration and it works all the nuts and bolts loose. Harley, or Indian will win hands down every time. Guy who figures on how to put the best of both bikes together, now he's going to have a winner on his hands.”

Before either of them had their engines started, it seemed the answer to their challenge had been met with words. They looked at each other and a look of truce was given in gesture, both of them dismounting and shaking hands.

“What were you racing over, anyway?”

“I was saying to Clay, that when he got back from 'Nam, we'd hold a place for him in our club, but he had to ride American, to be in it and he said his Triumph was as good, or better than ours.”

“JT is right, Clay. For the kind of riding you do in a club, you want a bike like theirs. Triumphs are nice for a hundred or so miles, but after that, you better pull over and check your nuts and bolts and see their all tight, or still there, for that matter.”

“Yeah, maybe you're right, Jake, you too, JT. I just like the old girl, she's a sweet ride. Got me everywhere I had to go and back....but.....I admit, the trips weren't always that long, like you said.”

They looked at the Thunderbird and the opposing twin cylinders of the 650cc engine, showing signs of oil leaking from seals and a couple of drips on the ground below, had more evidence of leakage.

“There's your proof right there boys. That much oil coming out like that, over a couple of hundred miles, that bike might as well be left where it is, because the engine will be seized solid. Ride over.”

With no dripping or seepage from the Indian, or Harley present, Clay had to come to reason with the facts.

“Okay, the Thunderbird goes, but it's going to take some time to find another bike I can afford. Not like the Army is releasing me with a severance package of several grand. Keep an eye out for one for me and if you can sell my bike while I'm over there, I can use that money as well to buy one.”

“Okay, that's doable. Just sign the paperwork and if we see a bike that you'd like, we'll put something down on it to hold it for you.”

“Hey, that's great JT, thanks a million, buddy.”

“No probs, man, but don't thank me yet. You got to get your ass back here to ride it. Don't screw me over and leave me with some bike and you go get your ass shot up over there.”

“Hey, I'll do my best not to.”

“So what do you think of the club and the clubhouse, Clay.”

Clay looked at the dirty, dingy building, as many lights working as not, the smell of neglect still lingering in the air.

“I like it. This place is going to be fantastic, if it turns out like you say it will. I can't wait to put on a jacket with the crest on it and join you guys.”

“We won't have jackets. We'll have 'cuts' that we wear.”

“Cuts?”

“Jean jacket with the sleeves cut off. Goes over your riding jacket, shirt, or just it alone.”

“Okay, I can dig that. So what does Jake say about all of it?”

“What do you mean? Jake's been behind us and this, since the beginning.”

“He has? Funny. He always told me he wouldn't have anything to do with clubs and riding ever again.”

“Yeah, he told us about half the guys getting killed that time down in Gilroy, that fucking sucks.”

“Yeah. Plus the other time in Berkeley, when his friend was shot. That was it. He said never again will he put a patch of any kind on his back. Said it was just a target for idiots to shoot at.”

“Wait, he never said anything about a friend getting shot. When did that happen?”

Before Clay could answer, Jake walked around the corner and into the building.

“Three years ago. Coming out of a store we just bought smokes and a drink in. Guy rolled up, pulled out a 45 and put two into my friend, Oscar, right in his chest. Dropped the poor guy dead. Turns out, it was a mistaken identity. The guy was looking for some rider from another club and mistook Oscar's patch for the other guy's patch, he was looking for. Mistake or not, Oscar was dead and it was all because he had a patch on his back. The asshole shot at me too, but I dove down and hid under the front of a car. He wasn't after me, so he left after he knew Oscar was dead. I lay on the ground looking at him, blood trailing out of him and there was nothing I could do. Swore then and there, that I'd never patch in again with a club.”

The guys looked at Jake, seeing the memories flood over him, taking him back to a place he didn't want to go to. The horrors of reality, of what was supposed to be, the American Dream.