Page 31 of Talon

“Kinda like a modern-day Robin Hood,” I muse, impressed by their dedication to helping others.

“Something like that.” His lips curve into a slight smile.“We’ve got each other’s backs, and we extend that loyalty and protection to those who need it most.”

I glance around the table, taking in the faces of the men and women who’ve found a home within this club. Their loyalty and sense of purpose are remarkable, and I find myself drawn to their world. Maybe it’s my own history of working with a non-profit, or perhaps it’s the way they’ve welcomed me into their midst, but I feel a sense of connection to these people.

As dinner continues, I find myself listening more intently, soaking up their stories and experiences. They are some of the funniest people I’ve ever met, and they clearly care for each other deeply, like a true family.

“Nitro, you’ve been hinting at some story all evening. Spill it.” Scar leans back, lacing his fingers behind his head.

“Remember when we had that ride to the countryside last month?” Nitro asks.

“This is a good one,” Reaper says with a snort.

“The one where Talon got lost and ended up at a kid’s birthday party?” Nina asks.

“Hey! It was a wrong turn, and those kids now think I’m some sort of superhero.”

“Haha, yeah, that one. But this isn’t about Talon’s detour. So, we were riding, remember? And we saw that farm?” Nitro asks.

“The one with the mad farmer chasing away trespassers?” Nina giggles.“I heard about that.”

“Yes! Exactly! That one! So, here’s something y’all don’t know. After the ride, I realized I’d dropped my wallet. Figured it might be near that farm,” Nitro says.

“Why do you ever let him leave the house?” Scar asks Holly, Nitro’s wife.

“I don’t,” she quips.“He does that all by himself.”

Everyone laughs.

“You went back to that psycho’s place?” Scar asks, wiping tears from his eyes.“I thought that guy was going to blow a hole in every one of us when we got lost and rode onto his property.”

“I had to go back. I had some important stuff in there. But I had a plan. I wasn’t going in as a biker. I went in disguise.” Nitro gives everyone a smug look.

“Oh, no … What did you do?” Nina asks.

“I found an old chicken suit in the garage. You know the one Reaper made that prospect wear at our last Halloween party? Figured if I wore it, I’d just blend in.”

Reaper nearly spits out his drink before finally choking it down.

“You … dressed up as a chicken to get your wallet?” Matrix raises a brow.

“Exactly. It was fucking brilliant. So, there I am, waddling around this guy’s property, clucking and looking for my stuff. I felt ridiculous, but it was working. No one noticed me.”

“Until?” Scar prompts.

“Until the real chickens decided I was intruding. I’ve never been chased by so many angry hens in my life! I was doing the chicken dance for real. And the rooster? That fucker has some real issues. Had to ditch the suit and make a run for it in my undies!”

“You did NOT!” Julia, Scar’s wife, slaps the table.

“I wish I hadn’t. The farmer saw a half-naked man sprinting away from his chicken coop. I heard him yell,‘First bikers, now chicken thieves?’”

“Did you get your wallet?” Reaper asks over the din of laughter.

“Yep, it was by the roadside, nowhere near the farm. All that chicken dance for nothing!”

“I’d pay good money to have seen that,” Daisy says.

“Next time, just call me and I’ll get you a new wallet,” Nina says, smirking.