“Sure, you’ve lost the rings beneath your eyes, and not just the bruise.”
“Oh … er, good.”
Zak was in his school uniform, sitting at the low table drawing.
“Eggs won’t be long, you guys,” Tammy said.
Jayden sat on the sofa. “What you drawing?”
“A wolf.”
“Yeah, it’s good.” It looked nothing like a wolf.
“Here.” Zak pushed a sheet of paper and a black pen Jayden’s way.
“What’s that for?”
“You need it.”
“Do I?”
“Sure, ’cause you have to draw on your arm.” Zak pointed at the medley of images on Jayden’s right arm. “’Cause you got no paper.”
“I like the drawings on my arm.”
“Does it come off, in the tub?”
“No, it’s there forever, buddy.”
“How?”
“Special ink.”
“Can I have some special ink?”
“No, it’s not for kids.” He picked up the black pen. “But you can have this. Want me to draw you a picture on your arm?”
Zak nodded enthusiastically.
“What’d you want?”
“A wolf, like yours. Like this one.” He jabbed his picture.
“Okay, sit here.”
Zak sat next to him, his tiny leg pressing close to Jayden’s leathers, and held out his arm.
Jayden wasn’t sure how good he was at drawing, but hegave it a go. A snout, ears, big eyes, and a furry outline. “How’s that?”
“Cool!” Zak hopped up. “Look, Mommy, I’m like Jayden now. I’ve got a wolf on my arm.” He ran into the kitchen area.
Tammy stopped stirring the eggs. She stared at Zak’s arm then looked over at Jayden. “Really?” She raised her eyebrows.
“It’ll wash off.” Jayden chuckled.
“He’s got school in twenty minutes.”
“He’ll be the coolest kid there. No one messes with biker kids.”