A week later, Tess met with the MC for another rideout. This time they were heading to Ghost Mountain, a place just north of Manhatten that held significance for the MC as it was where they had originally met for Church meetings before building their own clubhouse. The ride was going to be an anniversary ride, celebrating the fact that the MC had been around for 10 years and was still going strong.
Tess was trying really hard to get into the spirit of the ride, but she was finding it difficult this week. Thoughts about William clouded her mind as she kept wondering when he would show up next and if she’d have to hide behind her wall of security forever. She had no problem spending more time with Nitro obviously, since their relationship was definitely getting more serious and she loved where they were at with each other. They could talk about anything and she trusted him with her life, as well as her heart.
It was Butch and Turbo who had been getting to be too much. They wouldn’t leave her side, even at night when they would guard outside her door. She never got a moment alone and it was starting to really irritate her, though at the same time she was grateful for it.
The group met at the compound parking lot and got on their bikes, adjusting their earpieces so they could hear the Road Runner as he gave his road captain introduction for the ride. He thanked them all for coming and then started the ride, leading the way as the MC followed in formation behind him. Tess’s ever-present shadows rode beside her and she tried really hard to just enjoy the ride.
They rode through the city and out towards the mountains. Tess took in the view as they drove through the forest and then found the path up the mountain. There was a haze in the sky and it was almost as if they were surrounded by ghosts while they rode up the mountain. Tess felt haunted already as thoughts and regrets of the past swallowed her while she rode higher.
As they reached the top of the mountain, Tess parked her bike beside Nitro’s and then went over to join the group. Stenton was standing at the monument that had been set up on the mountain for the MC and looked out over the group. “We’re here at the exact spot where the MC was founded ten years ago. It began with four of us - My wife Madison, Nitro, Turbo and Neo. It’s grown into what it is today with over 30 members. I’d like to give the floor over to my wife who would like to say a few words.”
Madison walked forward then and smiled at the group. “I’d like to thank you all for joining us here for the anniversary ride. This started as a small family but as our president has stated, it has grown to what it is today.” There were cheers as the group applauded and then she continued. “We want to encourage you to keep this idea of family at the forefront of everything that you do. We are here for each other. When one of us hurts, the entire group is there to lift them up. Thank you for being dedicated and loyal to us over the past ten years and we look forward to many more in the future.”
As the ceremony went on, Tess tried to focus on what was being said, but her eyes kept going to the entrance of the park, almost as if anticipating Will to arrive. At one point, Nitro put a hand on her shoulder and leaned in to whisper, “You’re fine. He won’t bother you here.” She sighed at the fact that she was so transparent that he could read her mind.
The group got on their bikes when the ceremony was over and drove back towards the compound. When they got there, Tess felt her phone ring and looked at Nitro worriedly. He took it and looked at the caller ID and then handed it back. “It’s just your brother, go ahead. We’ll be out here.”
Tess appreciated the privacy and headed into her room to take the call. She put the phone to her ear and said, “Hey bro. How are you?”
“Tess, it’s Dad. We need you to come home as soon as you can. There’s been an accident.”
Tess started to feel her heart race as she asked, “What’s wrong? What happened?” A million possibilities went through her mind as she started to worry.
“It’s your brother. He was rammed off the road by another bike this morning. He needs you here, sweetheart.”
After agreeing to be on her way as soon as possible, Tess hung up the phone and then went to find Nitro. He held her close and promised to come with her. She let him go to pack a bag for the trip and then went to gather a few of her own things. All she could do was hope that her brother was okay.