Chapter Three
Wolf
I park my bike, get off, and walk to my favorite spot, a grassy area which gives me an open view of everything around me. After a bad PTSD episode and I take off on my bike to clear my head, this area is my calming place. It’s just a small picnic area a few miles off the interstate. There’s a set of bathrooms, picnic tables and an amazing view. I stare off into the horizon. The sky is a brilliant orange, the sun just beginning to set over Reelfoot Lake State Park. I stop here after riding for hours, especially since my body screams for a break. The Wild Jesters MC is and will always be my home, and I’m damn proud to be a member, but lately, I’m feeling something; a strange, new emotion that I can’t quite identify, almost a yearning for something more, something of my own.
This latest case is constantly lingering on my mind. I’m one to hyper-focus on the cases I’m a part of, the joys of ADHD. This woman is almost like an obsession. What is this feeling that keeps me awake all night and earlier than usual?
I turn and walk toward my bike and sit on it, allowing my mind to drift to the memories of my past. When I enlisted in the Army right out of high school, eager to make something of my life, the motivation at nearly every task they gave until the medical discharge gives me a purpose and I lost that for a while. The bombing and fire are more than just some skin on my back, I lost myself as well. But finding myself on the bounty hunter path I truly feel whole. It’s a strange kind of freedom tracking suspects who escape from their responsibilities, knowing that I am making a difference in some small way again. But this new case feels different. The woman I am supposed to be protecting has held my attention unlike any other.
She is strong, determined, and beautiful—all qualities I find intoxicating. I found myself fighting an internal battle between wanting to protect this woman and ultimately crumbling to her charm. Shaking my head free from my thoughts, I rev my bike and head back to the clubhouse to work on Janelle Pierce and her three children’s case. The overwhelming need to protect them all was becoming stronger by the minute. I know whatever lies ahead, I can’t let them down. The memories of my fallen brothers come to mind in my dreams, and the guilt of not being able to protect them only fuels my need to give my all in every case, especially when children are involved. The drive these emotions provide gives me the strength and pride to wear the Wild Jester’s patch.
Nothing will stop me now. Come hell or high water, I will make sure they are safe. “Come on, Wolf, you’ve got this,” I whisper to no one but myself. I pray the fear I felt will subside and determination will replace it.