If she never saw that man again, it would be too soon.
“See you tomorrow, Floyd.” She waved at the security guard and made it outside.
She paused at the top of the steps and took a deep breath. The air was tight with humidity, and the sun instantly warmed her AC-cool cheeks and shoulders.
The low menacing growl of bike engines rumbled toward her.
To the left of the courthouse, three shiny black Harleys were lined up, each with a rider atop.
It wasn’t as if she hadn’t seen such a sight before. She’d grown up in Pierce. But today, she looked at them anew.
Why?
Perhaps it was because of the judge’s words about freewheeling anarchists. These were men living a lifestyle that shunned the law and order she held so dearly. They mocked a justice system that kept civility in the vast country she called home.
What was it they wanted? What did they have to prove all the time? And why didn’t they fear death the way other people did?
Suddenly a loud horn blasted out: one of the bikers working his dual tone.
She pressed her hand to her chest, the sound having made her startle.
“Ah, I see I have a welcoming committee.”
Leah spun around and almost bumped her nose on black leather.
Carter Harris.
She looked up and took an instinctive step back. She swallowed and increased the already tight grip on her purse.
“Seems I have a night of celebrating.” He gestured to the three bikers. “Wanna join me?”
“Celebrating the fact a man was killed and as yet no one has been found guilty? No thanks.” She gritted her teeth so hard it hurt her jaw.
“A man died.” He inclined his head, the sunlight caressing his hair and highlighting golden strands. “But it wasn’t without reason.”
Leah knew she should walk away, but her inquisitiveness got the better of her. “What does that mean?”
He grinned, not that half smile he’d sent her way in court, but a full-on beam that showed he had perfect teeth. “Come for a drink and I’ll tell you.”
“That’s a hard pass.”
He raised his eyebrows. “Too stuck-up to date a biker, huh?”
“My father is the mayor.”
His eyebrows went a little higher.
“I have standards.”
“And I’m beneath yours.”
“I … I didn’t say that, I…” Her scalp itched. She wished she’d walked away ten seconds ago.
“Yeah, you did.” He shoved his hands into his jean pockets, his thumbs angled in such a way they pointed at his groin. “But I don’t hold grudges, at least not with beautiful women.”
She opened her mouth, closed it again.
“Leah. Sorry I got caught up.” Willow was at her side.