The Biker's Last Stand for the Son of a Legendary Assassin — Part 2

Previously: When a terrified twelve-year-old boy runs into a dusty biker bar begging for help, he reveals a name that sends shivers down the spine of the toughest man in the room.

The Gathering Shadow

The bar erupted into a flurry of frantic activity. Heavy iron bolts slid into place across the thick oak doors, and the heavy metal shutters were slammed shut over the windows, plunging the room into a tense, amber-hued twilight. Cole was ushered behind the sturdy mahogany bar, told to stay down and keep silent. The other bikers, loyal to Jax, pulled shotguns and rifles from hidden compartments behind the counter. They didn't know who John Wick was, but they knew the gold coin in Jax's hand meant an unbreakable blood oath.

Jax looked down at Cole, who was curled into a ball, clutching the gold coin tightly against his chest.

"Your father saved my life in Rome ten years ago," Jax whispered, his eyes softening for a brief second. "I swore a marker to him. I never thought his son would be the one to collect it."

Before Cole could answer, the gravel outside crunched under heavy tires. Through a peep-hole, Jax saw three sleek black SUVs pull up. Half a dozen men in tailored bulletproof suits stepped out, carrying automatic weapons. The leader, a cold-eyed mercenary named Vance, approached the heavy wooden doors and knocked with the butt of his pistol.

"Jax!" Vance's voice echoed through the wood. "We know the boy is in there. He is property of the High Table. Hand him over, and we will leave your little club in peace. Keep him, and we burn this place to the ground with everyone inside."

Jax stepped up to the door, his hand resting on the grip of a massive revolver tucked into his belt.

"The boy stays with me, Vance. He brought a marker. You know the rules. If you violate this sanctuary, you violate the High Table's own laws."

"The father is gone, Jax! The rules are changing!" Vance shouted back, his patience wearing thin. "You are protecting a ghost's legacy. Is it worth your life?"

Jax looked back at Cole, whose innocent eyes were filled with hope and terror. Jax turned back to the door, his jaw set in stone. "Some debts are written in blood, Vance. Come and get him."