Page 10 of Alice & Meg: Summer Vacation (Fallen Lords MC & Devil’s Knights MC Crossover)

I swung my leg over Lo’s bike and blinked at my seat. Another turtle, this one emerald green, sat there staring up at me. What the hell?

My head snapped up as Lo fired up the engine.

“Did you see this?”

I asked, frantic.

He just smirked.

“Another turtle, huh?”

I shoved it into my pocket.

“Yeah. This is just getting weird.”

I had a feeling that this was all Greta, but I wasn’t sure how she was doing it. Or why. Though with Greta, she didn’t need a reason to do something. If she felt like doing it, she was going to. I guess it was turtles this time.

Ten minutes later, we pulled into the duck boat parking area. Around ten other riders milled about, most families or groups of friends. Then it rolled into view, an actual WWII-era DUKW, green and white, with massive wheels and boat-like frames poking out from underneath. Pride-filled banners read Fun! Adventure! On Land and Water.

I had done this ride before, but even with my familiarity, it still felt magical, especially surrounded by everyone who hadn’t ridden before.

Alice bumped my shoulder.

“Are we all set, ?”

I nodded and scanned for Wendy, Cyn, Reva, Raven, Adley, and Greta, who were already gathering at the base of the ramp. We headed down to get in line with them.

A college kid with a huge smile and headset welcomed us aboard.

“My name is Chet, and you guys can pick a seat wherever you want.”

Alice stepped forward.

“Are we going to get wet?”

Chet shrugged like he was indecisive on a brand of soda.

“Depends where you sit.”

Alice’s eyebrows slapped together.

“Where’s best if I don’t want to get wet?”

He shrugged.

“Back is safest. Front might be okay, middle’s decent too.”

She huffed.

“That doesn’t help me.”

Chet chuckled.

“Sit anywhere. I promise to give you the ride of your life.”

Wrecker emerged behind her and draped his arm around her waist.

“I already gave her that this morning, kid.”

He kissed her neck.

“Sit back there, babe.”

Chet’s cheeks flushed. He stepped aside like a timid boy brought back to earth by the big ol’ biker. Alice shot Wrecker a smirk and walked to the rear bench along with the rest of us.

“Wrecker,”

Alice grunted from her seat, “why the caveman act with that poor kid?”

He grunted and pulled her close.

“He was hitting on you, babe.”

Alice rolled her eyes.

“I could be his mother.”

Hero, who sat in front of them, snorted.

“Yeah, he was hitting on you.”

“I am old,”

Alice declared.

Lo slid his hand onto my thigh.

“Claiming me in case the driver makes a move?”

I asked teasingly.

Lo chuckled.

“I saw him eyeing your ass, babe.”

I glanced back and forth between Lo and Wrecker.

“You guys are losing your minds. That little boy is not interested in Alice and me.”

Clash butted in.

“Sugar mama alert. He knows just between you two, he’d be set for life.”

I scoffed.

“You guys are extra.”

When everyone had boarded, our group, plus about ten others, prompted Chet to climb into the driver’s seat with a mic.

“Welcome aboard, folks! I’m Chet, your Original Wisconsin Ducks driver today. Buckle up! Land and water, all in one hour. Let’s have the best ride of your life!”

Wrecker muttered loudly.

“Already happened today.”

Alice flushed pink and leaned into him.

Adley frowned.

“Wait, Mom said you swam this morning?”

Alice shrugged. “We did.”

Hero gasped dramatically.

“You did it in the pool?!”

We all cracked up, and even families nearby turned heads.

Moments later, Chet shifted the vehicle into gear. With a throaty rumble, the duck boat clattered down the ramp and onto solid ground. We bounced over pavement with Chet pointing out local landmarks, ancient sandstone cliffs, tall pine borders, and the early thrills of the strip.

Then we veered right off the paved road onto sand and gravel, through forested trails where the duck’s wheels churned up dust. Four miles of wilderness trails awaited, all the while Chet narrated the Falls’ story—land carved by glaciers, sandstone gorges, fossils, and early settlers.

Alice squealed when the duck abruptly soared down a small embankment. It was the “roller coaster hill” moment.

Then the boat swung for the water. Chet hit the brakes dramatically.

“Alright, here we... stop and check for traffic!”

Then splashed forward, right into the Wisconsin River.

Water covered the windshield first, then cascaded over the front bow, and lapped at the floorboards near the back benches. The ride was kind of slow but still exhilarating. Adley hooted, clutching her purse to her chest.

“Yay! I didn’t get wet!”

Lo leaned close.

“Should we tell her about the jet boat?”

I shook my head.

“Let’s let her think she won’t get soaked.”

He kissed my cheek.

“We’ll put her front row.”

I laughed.

For the next twenty minutes, or maybe seventy, the time dragged blissfully. I soaked in Chet’s narration about Pulpit Rock, sandstone one-of-a-kind features, the baby grand piano formation, eagles perched high, herons gliding low, and beavers building dams.

The boat coasted through Red Bird Gorge’s narrow walls, and nearly touched the aged rock.

Alice leaned over me.

“This is amazing.”

“It sure is,” I agreed.

Back on pavement, Chet slid us to the loading dock.

“Thank y’all for riding today! I’m Chet. If you’re doing the combo jet boat, have a great time!”

He hopped down and waved.

We filed off through smiles, laughter, and sun-kissed faces.

“Let’s go snack?”

Adley asked, waving to nearby food carts.

We trooped off to the carts to grab some food before the next boat ride.