Miguel sat in the back seat beside Elena.
Every few minutes, he turned around.
The motorcycles were still there.
He smiled each time.
After the procession returned to the cemetery entrance, people began leaving slowly.
Miguel searched through the crowd.
He found Tom near his motorcycle.
"Mr. Tom!"
Tom turned.
Miguel ran toward him.
Tom knelt.
"What's up, warrior?"
Miguel looked serious.
"You came like you promised."
Tom nodded.
"Always keep your word."
Miguel thought about that.
Tom continued.
"You keep being brave."
Miguel nodded.
"Take care of your mom."
Another nod.
"And when you get older, if you see somebody who needs help..."
Tom pointed toward the crowd around them.
"Even if they look different from you."
Miguel listened carefully.
"Even if they look scary."
Miguel smiled.
"Like you."
Tom laughed.
"Especially like me."
He held out his hand.
"Deal?"
Miguel placed his tiny hand inside Tom's.
"Deal."
He started walking away.
Then stopped.
Turned.
Ran back.
"Mr. Tom?"
"Yeah?"
"When I'm big, will you teach me motorcycle?"
Elena heard.
"No."
Everyone nearby laughed.
Miguel looked at her.
"Mom!"
Tom was laughing too.
Elena pointed at him.
"Do not encourage this."
Tom raised both hands.
"I'm innocent."
Miguel grabbed Tom's sleeve.
"Please."
Tom looked at Elena.
Then Miguel.
"You come ask me again when you're sixteen."
Miguel's eyes widened.
Tom continued.
"And if your mom says yes..."
He pointed toward his motorcycle.
"I'll teach you myself."
Miguel looked at Elena.
She looked horrified.
"Eleven years is a long time," she said.
Miguel turned back to Tom.
"Promise?"
Tom nodded.
"Promise."
Miguel smiled.
Then he and Elena walked away.
Snake stepped beside Tom.
"You know that kid is going to remember."
Tom watched them.
"No chance."
Snake laughed.
"He remembered to bring a funeral escort."
Tom considered that.
"Fair point."
That evening, the Iron Wolves returned to Franklin's Roadhouse.
The table felt different.
Everyone was tired.
Nobody was hungry.
The television above the counter showed local news footage.
Rows of motorcycles.
Police officers standing beside bikers.
Miguel in Tom's arms at the podium.
The caption beneath the footage described an unusual show of unity honoring Officer Marcus Rivera.
Snake watched silently.