I made a promise, Hawk says suddenly. At his grave, that I'd never look away. Never let someone suffer alone if I could help. He turns to me. That's why I stepped in.
Not because I'm a hero. Because I couldn't live with myself if I didn't. I understand then. This isn't charity. It's something deeper.
A debt Hawk thinks he owed. What would he think? I ask. Your brother about the club? Hawk laughs softly.
Jaime? He'd have loved it. The bikes, the brotherhood, the freedom. His smile fades. He never got to ride.
That was our plan after he came home. Get bikes. See the country together. I'm glad you found the club. I say they found me.
Hawk corrects. I was a mess after Jaime drinking, fighting. The original angels took me in. Gave me purpose again. He checks his watch.
We should get you home. Your mom will worry. As we ride back into town, I think about Hawk's story, about promises made to the dead, about second chances. Mom is waiting when we pull up. Her expression is worried, then angry when she sees me on Hawk's bike.
"Where have you been? " she demands. The school called said there was trouble. "Just some kids," I say. Hawk handled it. Mom looks at Hawk.
"What did you do? " "Talk to them. " Hawk says, "That's all. " Mom doesn't look convinced. Eli, go inside. I need to speak with Hawk. I hesitate. Mom, now Eli.
I wheel past her, but stop just inside again. Listening. This is exactly what I was afraid of. Mom says he's becoming a target because of you. He was already a target.
Hawk says the difference is now he has protection. Your kind of protection puts him in danger. My kind of protection is the only kind he's getting. Hawk snaps then softer. Sarah, I'm sorry, but those boys, they're not going to stop unless someone makes them.
And that someone is you? Mom asks. A biker with a record. The silence is heavy. You've been checking up on me?
Hawk says finally. Of course I have. You're around my son. Hawk size. Whatever you found.
It was a long time ago. I'm not that man anymore. People don't change that much. Mom says some do. Hawk says when they have to.
I hear the crunch of gravel. Hawk walking back to his bike. Friday night. He says family dinner. You're both still welcome.
Think about it. The motorcycle roars to life. Mom comes inside, closes the door hard behind her. She sees me sitting there. Doesn't even look surprised.
Eve's dropping again? She asks, "What did you find out about him? " I ask. Mom sinks onto the couch. Assault charges years ago. He spent time in prison.