Chapter 7
The heavy metal door of the loading dock swung open, releasing them into the cool, damp embrace of the city alleyway. The distant sounds of gala music faded into the background, replaced by the steady patter of light rain beginning to fall against the asphalt. Jax pulled his tuxedo jacket tighter around his shoulders, while Leo clutched the warm blanket Sarah had given him.
"My bike is parked around the block in the underground municipal garage," Jax said, keeping a protective hand on the boy's shoulder as they walked quickly through the shadows. "Can you run a little bit, or are your shoes giving you trouble?"
"My shoes are fine," Leo insisted, though the scuffed sneakers squeaked slightly against the wet pavement. "I can run fast."
They navigated the labyrinth of brick walls and overflowing dumpsters with practiced stealth. Jax’s mind was racing. Taking a child onto a customized chopper in the middle of the night without a helmet was far from ideal, but staying in the hotel vicinity meant immediate detention and separation. He needed to get Leo to his apartment—a secure, familiar space where they could figure out their next legal and practical steps.
As they rounded the corner into the brightly lit entrance of the underground garage, the hum of fluorescent lights greeted them. Rows of expensive luxury sedans lined the lower level, and right in the middle sat Jax’s pride and joy—a matte-black vintage motorcycle with chrome detailing and custom handlebars.
Jax pulled a set of keys from his tuxedo pocket and unlocked a secure storage locker built into the garage wall, revealing an extra helmet and a heavy leather riding jacket that had belonged to his younger days.
"Put this on," Jax said, holding out the heavy leather jacket. It swallowed Leo completely, the sleeves rolled up several times, but it provided immediate warmth and thick protection against the wind and rain.
"It's huge," Leo mumbled, smiling as he zipped it up to his chin.
"It'll keep you warm," Jax replied, lifting the child-sized helmet he always kept in storage just in case—though he never expected to use it for this. He strapped the helmet securely under Leo's chin, adjusting the fit until it sat comfortably. "Hold on tight around my waist, keep your face pressed against my back, and don't look down at the wheels. Understand?"
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"I understand," Leo said, his voice slightly muffled inside the helmet.
Jax swung his long leg over the heavy machine, kick-starting the engine. The powerful motor roared to life with a deep, rumbling vibration that echoed off the concrete walls. He guided the bike out of the garage and onto the wet, empty streets of the city, heading toward the industrial district where his modest apartment waited.
