An hour later, the sun beamed down on the front lawn as Sarah served homemade pie to the entire biker crew.
Big Bear: This is the best apple pie in Texas, Sarah.
Sarah: It was David's favorite recipe. I bake it whenever we need a reminder of home.
Marcus: Well, you'll be baking a lot of pies, because we're going to be checking in on you every month.
Toby: Can I sit on your motorcycle, Mister Marcus?
Marcus: Come on up, young captain. Let's see if you can reach the handlebars.
Marcus lifted Toby easily into the leather seat of his custom heavy cruiser. Toby gripped the handles, pretending to rev the engine with a huge grin on his face.
Toby: Vroom! Vroom! I'm riding to protect the neighborhood!
Sarah: Look at him, Marcus... I haven't seen him smile like this since David passed away.
Marcus: Kids need to know they're safe, Sarah. They need to know that honor still exists in the world.
Sarah: You gave us back our lives today. You gave us our hope back.
Marcus: We just did what David trained us to do. Stand up for what's right and never back down from a bully.
Big Bear: The local news just reported that Richard Vance and Greg Vance are both being held without bail pending trial.
Marcus: Good. Justice comes to those who abuse their power.
Sarah: And our home is completely secure?
Big Bear: The county court recorded the clear deed this afternoon. No one can ever question your ownership again.
Toby: Mister Marcus! When I grow up, I want to serve in the military just like my dad and you!
Marcus: You're already making your dad proud every day, Toby. Just keep growing up strong, honest, and brave.
Toby: I promise I will!
Marcus patted the young boy on the head, looking up at the American flag fluttering in the warm Texas wind[cite: 1].
Marcus: Time for us to hit the road, team. But remember what I told you, kiddo.
Toby: I'll never walk alone again![cite: 1]
Marcus: That's right, son. That's a promise from the brotherhood.
The roar of twenty V-twin engines filled the suburban street once more as the riders pulled away in a neat formation, leaving behind a protected home, a grateful mother, and a proud young boy wearing his father's honor patch with immense pride[cite: 1].