The sound of motorcycles could be heard in the night air. Turning in the canvas chair, Reaper saw a motorcycle pull up to Silas’s truck. When the light flicked off, he could see a shadowy figure coming toward them. He moved his hand away from his gun when Viper came within the glow of the campfire.
“I thought I would join you guys.” Viper’s voice was hesitant as he lifted what was in his hand. “I brought beer.”
The three men looked at Gavin for his reaction, leaving it to him whether Viper stayed or left.
Reaper held his hand out. “Give me one. I hope it’s colder than the ones Greer brought.”
“Why’s everyone busting my balls tonight?” Greer complained as he reached into his pocket to bring out his plastic baggie. Opening it, he took out another joint to light. “You sons of bitches don’t deserve the treat I’m going to give you tonight, but I’ll share anyway. It’s the cousin thing to do.” Lifting the joint, he took a hit before he started passing it around.
Reaper took a hit. “Damn, Greer, you’ve been holding out. This one is different.”
“Damn right. This is the one I only light on special occasions. We celebrating tonight, boys. I don’t have to bring the beers anymore, and I can tell the youngin’s they can keep Nan.”
“I didn’t say you could keep my goat!” Silas protested.
“The night’s still young. By the time this joint is finished, Nan will be the newest member of my family.”
One Month Later…
Reaper was setting up the chairs as Silas made the fire when Viper parked his SUV next to Silas’s truck. Looking toward the truck, he saw Viper get out the vehicle as the passenger door opened and Shade got out. Both men went to the back seat, Viper getting the beer and Shade carrying an extra chair.
Viper put the beer in the cooler, while Shade stayed on the outskirts of the camp.
“Lily and Penni are driving me nuts. I could use a break. You mind if I join you?”
Reaper reached out and took the chair from him to set it up. “Have a seat.” He motioned at the chair. “Greer you bring the good stuff?”
“You know it.”
Another Month Later…
Twisting the top of his beer, Reaper saw Viper’s SUV pulling off the road to park next to Silas’s truck. Taking a drink, he raised his eyebrow when not just the two front doors opened, but the back door opened as well. Viper and Shade got out of the driver’s and passenger’s, each man carrying something different.
Shade and Viper walked into the camp as Rider stopped; he was holding a gigantic bag Reaper recognized from the diner.
“It’s Jo’s time of the month. Save me.”
Twenty-Two Years Later…
Reaper remained standing at the rock as Silas poured water from a thermos to douse the fire as the line of vehicles pulled out, leaving Greer, Silas, and him alone.
Staring out at the dark sky, he let Greer put the last of the chairs in the back of the truck.
Staring down at the rock, he didn’t need a light to see how many marks had been carved into the surface. He had years of seeing it in the daylight to know the massive weight the stone carried.
All of the original Last Riders spent their Friday nights here. They no longer needed to make new marks on the stone, coming mainly now to have time together alone and let the young bloods have their fun without them being present. It was the next generation’s time to become the leaders, and the original group to fade into the background. Their kids had been raised with the values that counted the most, and if they needed help, the originals would still be around to lend a helping hand. That was what parents did, and Reaper was proud to say most of them didn’t need any guidance. They were making their own way in this world, and there wasn’t a one of them who wouldn’t give their life for the other.
“You comin’, boy?”
Reaper grinned at Greer still calling him boy. “You need my help getting in the truck?” he joked.
“Kiss my effin’ ass,” Greer snorted.
Laying his hand on the rock, Reaper then made his way to the truck.
The rock was still standing and so was he.