Redwood Nine: Season 03 Ch. 01

"If it's the deal of a lifetime, it deserves a toast, so let's hear it."

JT told them what they had and what they wanted to do with them and the prospect of the steady supply of used Harleys. Willy held his glass to them and toasted the deal.

"Going to make me one happy man today, JT, Piney. First my business gets a major boost in income, I get to create a bike for free almost and maybe a sweet convertible for my old lady. My dick is getting sucked all night already and this just makes my day. I like you guys."

"Good to hear. So, in kind, let's cut that twenty five hundred down to twelve fifty for our buddy's bike. You'll make that back on the bikes you get from Gus. So let's take a ride down and show you what we got now and meet Gus."

"Hang on."

Willy went in and told Mutt to watch the shop and followed the guys out. Piney and JT started up and waited for Willy. The roar of his engine spoke pure power, then it rolled out of the garage. The multicoloured beauty dazzled the eyes from every angle.

"I don't get as much time to ride, as I like, so let's go for a little spin."

"We can take the long way there, then. Sweet bike, Willy."

"Thanks, had time on my hands to do some work on my own for a change. Lead on, brother."

JT pulled out and headed east to take 99 south. The trio brought attention to themselves, the air ripped apart by their sound as they rode past people. When they hit the highway, throttles were twisted and the sound of rawness greeted every car they passed. It wasn't long before it became a lawless joy ride, as the three weaved in and out of traffic, trying to maintain a speed of eighty amongst cars going thirty MPH slower. A wide open stretch of road ahead, started a drag race for top end, as they twisted the throttles to maximum. At a hundred, it was a close race, but Willy began pulling ahead and leaving them behind.

Willy started backing off, knowing he had won, the twin pipes blaring the back pressure out as he decelerated. They were back down to sixty five, as JT spotted the front end of a cruiser sitting behind a sign. He warned the others and they slowed to fifty five, keeping to the limit, He looked in his mirror and saw the lights come on, as the cruiser hit the highway in pursuit.

JT didn't want any trouble and immediately pulled over to stop, but the cruiser flew past them and kept going. They were happily surprised it wasn't them in trouble and got going again. They didn't go wild any more and settled into a cruise to the junction with 5 and back up again. They headed across town to Gus' and pulled in beside the other bikes. They went over to the guys standing with Gus by the bikes, trying to get one of them running.

"This what you were talking about?"

"Yeah. Good frames and metal, little work and they can be runners."

They just stood beside the others, when Chico kicked the starter and it ran, albeit roughly. Willy looked it over, nodding his approval and then the other one.

"This one run?"

"Don't know. Haven't tried yet."

Otto unscrewed the cap and poured some gas from the can into it. Wally got on and primed it, then jumped down. The engine ran much smoother than the other one, but blew oily, black smoke out of the exhaust.

"Needs a ring job, but boring it out will fix that. Not bad guys, not bad. The Indian, I can still use it. I can rebuild the front of the frame again and chop it out. I got another motor for it, if that one is pooched."

"Willy, meet Gus. Gus, this is Little Willy. He's always looking for runners and parts, so you two should work out the need."

"You like this sort of thing? Don't mind putting that effort in?"

"Come over here Gus. See my bike, that one there."

"Now that's a nice looking piece of machinery."

"Thanks, Gus. That, used to look worse than the either of those two when I got it."

"You shitting me? That, looked like that?"

"Yup. Just a shit load of hard work to get it like that. And a bunch of money for chroming and stuff."

"Yeah, there's that, but that there is a fine piece of work. Louder than all get out, too."

"Straight pipes, the angled ends fire the noise to the side, instead of behind. Really adds to it. Love to hear the sound of it beating."

"Real cycle lover, are you?"

"Gus, only time I'm willing go by four wheels, it'll be in a hearse."

"I'd say that about answers it."

With deals in play and handshakes setting them in place, they stopped off at Willy's place and had another quick shot of JD to celebrate. Willy assured them of the lowest prices on anything they wanted, or any work needed on their bikes, keeping the good faith offers flowing both ways. The new friends said goodbye and headed in different directions, that both led to happiness.

JT rode back with the club behind him, thinking of how to tell Clay the good news in a letter. By this time, Clay was almost done basic and would be getting ready to jump off. He decided on taking a picture of the bike the way it was and sending that to him. When it was done, they'd send pictures of the finished bike and show him what he would be riding when he got back. His own memories, brought silent prayers for him, wishing a safe return and to be whole. Too many scenes on the news, depicted vets in wheelchairs and their plight to find assistance and support. JT sent his thoughts to the wind and wished for them to find their destination and keep his friend and brother safe.

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