Dead Memories

[Victor]

May 10, 2013

"Uncle Vic! Hurry up!" The quick thud thud of small sneakers on wood floor sounded the urgent need of a ten year old that really wanted to go outside. "They are gonna leave without us!"

His plea's were acknowledged with laughter and the heavy footsteps of a pair of shitkickers filled with a whole lot of biker. Vic smiled at the kid as they both headed toward and out the door, amused at the little leather vest and denim jacket he was wearing. The club had even given him a patch to wear when they all went riding.

Victor knew his parents didn't want him on the back of that bike, but he couldn't say no to Cody. Not when the look on his face each ride was that of pure joy. It was better than Christmas for the kid. Clear roads, throttle opened up, wind whipping through his sunbaked curls that peeked out from his helmet. All while a group of fifteen or more of his brothers grouped around them. The first night he took his nephew out on a ride he hugged his neck tight and told him it was the best night of his life. Sure, he was only nine..not much life lived yet, but the love of his nephew was all he had, all he needed in life. Just Cody and the club.

"They wouldn't leave without us...they are too scared of you, kid." Vic called out as they neared his bike and the rest of the group. Saul and Theo flipped him off while the others just laughed and revved their engines. The grin on Cody's face was from ear to ear, bright and expectant of a good day's ride. Victor straddled the bike, turned the key in the ignition and let the engine come to life. He nodded to Cody and the ten year old climbed up and sat down behind his uncle, leaning back on the sissy bar put there only for him. Saul led the way out, followed by Theo and his old lady, Vic came in behind followed by the rest of the club.

This was the way of things. The lifestyle he had chosen. They were his family and Cody was a part of it. There wasn't really much more he could ask for.

Later on that day, they'd stopped at The Trusty Bucket for lunch. Cody sat at the bar with fries and a hotdog chatting away at the bartender and a few of the fellas that amused themselves by humoring the boy's semi coherent conversation. His parents had to keep reminding him not to talk with his mouth full, noone could understand him and it was rude. Vic let him be gross. It was good for a boy his age.

"Heard a new club is in town. A strange one. Call themselves Blood Vipers." Saul spoke quietly over his beer. They stood at a tall table near the bar so Vic could keep an eye on Cody, not that it was necessary..the men in this bar would murder for the kid. But recent events warranted extra precaution. "I think it's best if you keep your ear to the ground on this one, Gunz."

Victor nodded, draining half of his beer. He picked at a few fries, making sure he had food on his stomach. One beer only and something to eat, always. At least when he was riding with his nephew. Had to keep a clear head. "I'll check around, see what I can find out about them, what their operation is." It's what he was good at, intel.

"Hey Uncle Vic...can I come with you?" Vic turned to see Cody standing at his side, listening closely. Sometimes he'd take the kid with him when he was out spotting information. It helped with some of the other club's sweetbutts to have a kid on the back of the bike.

"Not this time, little man. Not until I know where we stand. You think you could keep this on the downlow? We don't want you scaring away their club as well." Cody nodded his head quickly then made two fists, jabbing them at Vic's arm and hip. "Ow! Ow! No more...uncle uncle!" He feigned the pain and let Cody think he got the better hand. "Now go finish your food and beat up some of the others."

Cody saluted, gut checked Saul, and headed back to the bar.

"He knows I'm the president of this club, right?" Saul had grabbed his stomach and laughed.

"Gotta keep you on your toes, bro."