Eight hours later, and we’re all getting tired and blurry-eyed. I convince the guys to take a break while I put on yet another pot of coffee. It’s 4 a.m. so nothing is open yet, or I would run out and pick up breakfast. It will be at least another couple of hours before the closest bagel shop opens their doors.

Erik walks into the kitchen and collapses in exhaustion into a chair. He runs a tired hand through his long hair and leans back to close his eyes for a minute.

“These all-nighters are harder than they used to be,” he says while trying to stifle a yawn.

“That’s because you’re getting old,” I tease.

“No, it’s because we pulled an all-nighter last night, too. We’ve been awake for days.”

He sits up again and pulls a box of photos sitting on the table toward him. After idly picking through the pile, he holds one up for me to see. The shot is of Flint, standing on the courthouse steps. He’s dressed for work as a lawyer in an expensive suit and sunglasses.

“Is this the reason we’re here?” Erik asks, pointing to Flint.

“No. Wrong brother. He’s married with a baby.”

“Ah...so I was at least on the right track then.”

I pour him a cup of coffee. Black with one sugar. Just the way I remember he likes it.

He picks up another photo. This time it’s of a bare-chested, muscle-bound Jesse.

“Has to be this man then, right? He looks about the age you go for. A little older than the last one.”

I shake my head again and hand him his coffee.

“What? Please no,” he says in surprise. “Don’t tell me it’s the younger one. Not this guy?”

He holds up a photo of a smiling Sam standing beside his bike. I reach across the table and take the photo out of his hands. I love this picture.

“Yes, he’s the one. Sam Mason.”

Erik takes a sip of his coffee.

“Your face lit up when you looked at his photo. Wow, I’m kind of shocked. Then again, now that I think about it, I can picture you as a ride-or-die kind of girl.”

“You think so?” I ask.

“Sure,” he says. “If that’s what you really want. I hate to be a bummer here, but you know this might all go south on you, right? What’s going to happen when this guy finds out you are working undercover? The motorcycle gang won’t forgive you and go on as if nothing ever happened. This isn’t a fairy tale. You could be in danger right now and not even know it.”

I let out a long, tired breath and sit down at the table beside him.

“I realize this isn’t going to end well, Erik. I’m not that naïve.”