Chapter 6: Into the Alleyway
The heavy metal back door of the diner slammed shut behind them with a dull, echoing thud, cutting off the noise of the jukebox and the chatter of the crowd inside. The alleyway was narrow, damp, and cast in deep shadows, illuminated only by a single flickering yellow bug light mounted above the back exit of the kitchen. The air smelled of rotting garbage, wet cardboard, and the faint, sweet scent of grease venting from the restaurant’s exhaust fans.
Jax kept a firm, protective hand on Leo’s shoulder as they hurried down the uneven pavement toward the side street where the motorcycles were parked. The distant roar of a bike engine echoed down the block, making Jax’s muscles tense. Every shadow cast by the brick walls seemed like a potential threat, and every sound felt like the approach of someone from the club who might ask awkward questions.
Leo kept pace with him effortlessly, his scuffed sneakers splashing quietly through small puddles of dirty rainwater. Despite the grim circumstances, the boy didn't complain or show any sign of fear; he simply trusted the tall, tattooed stranger who had suddenly become his entire world.
“Stay close to me, Leo,” Jax whispered urgently, pausing at the mouth of the alley to peer cautiously out onto the dimly lit side street. A row of heavy motorcycles, including Jax’s own matte-black chopper, lined the curb beneath a buzzing streetlamp. Across the street, the second-floor windows of the local pool hall were dark, but the booming bass of a classic rock song vibrated through the brickwork.
Jax knew he couldn't just throw Leo onto the back of his chopper and ride out of town in broad daylight. Marcus and the rest of the club officers were staying at the rundown motel on the highway, and anyone heading west out of town would have to pass right by it. He needed a safe place to hide the boy while he figured out his next move, a place where the club members would never think to look.
“Jax?” Leo whispered, tugging gently on the sleeve of the biker’s heavy leather vest. “Where are we going?”
“We’re going to find a safe place to lay low for the night, kid,” Jax replied, keeping his voice low and steady as he scanned the empty street. “I’ve got a friend on the edge of town, an old mechanic named Eli. He owes me a favor, and he’s got a workshop far away from the clubhouse.”
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Jax led Leo quickly across the open pavement, keeping close to the brick walls until they reached his motorcycle. The heavy machine radiated residual heat from the long ride earlier that evening. Jax unlocked a saddlebag, pulling out a spare, oversized riding jacket that was far too big for Leo, but would at least shield the boy from the chilly night wind and partially hide his pale face and bright hazel eyes.
“Put this on, Leo,” Jax instructed, holding the heavy leather garment open. The boy slid his thin arms through the stiff sleeves, the heavy cuffs rolling up over his small hands. It swallowed him whole, making him look like a tiny soldier wearing armor that didn't fit, but Jax felt a slight surge of relief seeing him bundled up against the night.
