‘What’s the plan?’ Donnie asked, speaking for the group as all eyes in the bar turned to the hulking Mason who was leant against the bar, trying to unravel the chaos.

‘We find Wyatt,’ Mason commanded. ‘That’s our number one priority. Call all the deputies and coppers who are on the take and get them to hunt down his bike. Get them to check CCTV. We need to know his last movements and we can work the rest out from there.’

‘And Sykes?’

‘Oh, he’ll get what’s coming to him. If he thinks he can abandon us when we need to stick together, then he knows what’s waiting.’ Mason cracked his knuckles. ‘But whatever he’s done or whatever he has instigated, it ain’t going to disappear with him. So, let’s try to find them quickly, because I got a feeling we’re going to have some severely pissed off Mexicans knocking on our door.’

As the group of Riders murmured their agreement, the door to the bar opened and every head in the premises spun in its direction. Hands shot to their weapons, with a plethora of handguns lifted, aimed with deadly intent at the figure standing in the doorway. Mason’s jaw dropped with shock, then a cruel smile formed among his beard.

‘Well, this must be my lucky day.’ Mason chuckled.

Sam walked into the bar, the brightness of the sun peeking in from the doorway casting a long shadow before him. Ignoring the firearms ready to put him down, he took a few steps towards Mason. He held his hands up in a way of surrender.

‘We need to talk.’

Mason scoffed; his eyebrows raised in confusion.

‘You are either the bravest or stupidest fucker I’ve ever come across.’ Mason cracked his neck. ‘Believe me, I’ve been around long enough for that to be an impressive title.’

‘I didn’t come here to cause any trouble…’

‘Unfortunately, son, you already stamped your ticket when you got the jump on us a few days back.’ Mason nodded to Donnie, who stood from his chair.

‘Let’s not do this again.’ Sam warned, his hands still in the air. Mason looked at the dusty, battered cast that encased Sam’s wrist.

‘I see Sykes already gave you a warning.’ He shook his head. ‘It clearly didn’t take.’

‘Listen to me.’ Sam’s frustration grew. ‘Whatever macho bullshit you need to get out of your system, save it. This is important. It’s about Sykes.’

Mason’s tough guy act slipped, and he stood to attention. He held up a hand to Donnie, halting the attack. Sam followed Mason’s line of sight, the tension in his body relaxing. Mason scratched his thick beard and then nodded to the booth.

‘You got two minutes,’ Mason said through gritted teeth. ‘If I ain’t buying what you’re selling, I’m going to put a bullet through your skull. Understood?’