That's what family does. There's that word again. Family. It hangs in the air between us. While mom and Mama Carter set the table, Hawk motions me into the living room.
The club voted last night, he says quietly. Unanimously. On what? He reaches into his vest pocket, pulls out a small patch, different from the one patch gave me. This one has my name on it.
We want to make it official, Hawk says. You're under our protection permanently. I stare at the patch. What does that mean? It means your family.
Hawk says simply. It means we'll always be there. Always. My throat tightened. Mom might not.
We already talked to her. Hawk interrupts gently this morning while you were asleep. She agreed. I look up surprised. She did.
Hawk nods. She's learning what we're really about, Eli. And after yesterday, well, let's just say she sees things differently now. He places the patch in my hand. You don't have to wear it, but it's yours.
I close my fingers around it. Thank you. Lunch is the best meal I've had in months. Mama Carter stew is rich and hearty. The bread's still warm.
Mom actually laughs at Hawk's stories about club mish. And then Patch drives the bike straight into the lake. Hawk finishes with the sheriff's hat still stuck on the handlebars. Mom wipes tears of laughter from her eyes. He didn't.
Ask him yourself. Hawk says he still can't live it down. After lunch, Mama Carter insists on doing the dishes. Mom tries to help, but Mama shoes her away. You two talk, she says, nodding toward Hawk.
I've got this. Mom and Hawk step onto the small balcony. I will close to the open door listening. Sarah. Hawk says there's something else we need to discuss.
The apartment. Mom says she doesn't sound surprised. I know it's not safe anymore. Not just that, Hargrove had friends, people who might hold a grudge. Against Eli?
Mom's voice sharpens. He's just a child. Against anyone associated with bringing him down. Hawk clarifies. The club can handle itself, but you and Eli will move.
Mom says find another town. Or Hawk says carefully. You could stay closer where we can watch out for you. The clubhouse? Mom says not a question.
We have a house on the property. Empty now. Two bedrooms handicap accessible. Hawk pauses. It would be safer for both of you.
The silence stretches between them. I hold my breath. I don't know. Mom says finally. That's a big step.
Just until things settle down. Hawk assures her. A few months maybe. And then what? Mom asks.
We go back to being strangers. You'll never be strangers to us again, Sarah. Hawk says, his voice is gentle. Not after Eli. I wheel back from the door before they can catch me eavesdropping.