Page 58 of Road to Absolution

Chances were that was a lie, because Diesel wasn’t old enough to have a very old son, but beggars shouldn’t be choosy. So… “Thanks.”

When the doors opened, the night air hit me like a wave of hope. Being wheeled onto the roof, I took a deeper breath than I may ever have before.

Scorch joked, “If you see a helicopter comin’, we gotta split.”

My head was leaned back to face the sky, stress melting away. “Deal.”

He locked the wheels. “Get some movement, kid. You’re starting to resemble a deranged serial killer.”

“Is there such a thing as a serial who isn’t deranged?” I was relieved Scorch was behind me, and not able to see my face cringe and wince as I struggled to stand.

“Well, you sure ain’t no Ted Bundy at the moment.”

“Who?” My weakness was making me ill. I needed a distraction.

Out of the chair, I faced him. He was backing away from me, lighting a cigarette. “Fucking young ass pups.”

I stared at the lit stick like a young man ready to break every rule. “Can I have one?”

He peered over the flame. “You don’t smoke.”

“How do you know?”

“We celebrated the night you got Viola to quit.” He took a huge drag.

“Holy shit. I forgot about that.” I shrugged. “‘Kay. Got some crack?”

He smirked. “Cigarette it is.”

Yes, I coughed and gagged slightly after my first inhale or two, but then my brain felt like it had been injected with clarity, tingling along with my whole body. “I didn’t know cigarettes could get you high.”

“Only for newbies.” He blew smoke into the air.

Smoking my first cigarette, I circled myself, taking the night in. City lights, near and far, were comforting. Horns beeped and engines roared—

I was back in the truck, the bike chasing me—

“Still with me, kid?”

I was on the rooftop. I sighed in relief, then took a few full breaths to remind myself I was still alive.

“That shit ain’t no joke, is it?”

Barely hearing Scorch, I faced him. “Huh?”

Lighting another cigarette, he finger-gestured. “Them flashbacks.”

Flashbacks? My nostrils flared. I’m not having—Am I?

“Hey, I won’t invade. Just wanted to let you know you’re joining a club of men who have all been there.”

That actually was a bit comforting. “Do you like being a biker?”

Leaning his elbows to a concrete wall at the edge of the roof, Scorch answered, “It’s not for everyone, but perfect for me.”

“Did you always want to be one?”

He gazed over the city lights. “Never thought about it until it presented itself.”