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Still rides like he did back in the day, leaning too far into corners and trusting the bike to sort out the rest.

He parks beside mine and kills the engine.

"Well, fuck me."

He pulls off his helmet, grinning.

"Colt Blake."

"Only my mother called me Colt."

"Yeah? She still a pain in the ass?"

"Still dead."

His grin slips.

"Shit. Sorry, brother."

"Wasn't yesterday."

I grab his hand and pull him into a one-armed hug.

He's thinner than I remember. More gray at his temples. Couple of fresh lines around his eyes.

But the grin's the same.

"Look at you," he says, stepping back. "Biker trash."

"Look who's talking."

He glances down at his own battered jacket.

"Fair."

I clap his shoulder.

"Come on. Prez wants to meet you."

Inside, Grim's waiting with Ash.

Introductions are quick.

Mel shakes their hands, looks them in the eye, and doesn't waste time trying to impress anybody.

Good start.

Grim gets straight to business.

"Vex says you're looking for work."

"Yes, sir."

"Don't call me sir."

Mel grins.

"Got it."