Joker's Wild - Part 2

Joker's Wild

by

C. L. Kraemer

This biker is father to four and grandfather to eight. He's a brother, son, husband and gentle heart. Proves the saying: Don't judge a book by the cover. 

About the book: How can the justice system go so horribly wrong in passing judgment on a convicted drunk driver who killed an innocent man? Joey Palmer asks himself the same question and can't find the answer -- yet.

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Excerpt from Joker's Wild by C. L. Kraemer

Brown sticky air weighed heavily on the riding pair. As quickly as he could, Joey maneuvered the motorcycle to I-5 North heading out of the congestion of downtown Los Angeles. Using the California law of splitting lanes, he bypassed the traffic sitting still and quickly exited to Hwy 14 heading north to Palmdale/Lancaster. He drove wildly not slowing his pace until after he passed the Acton exits. Only then did he roll back on the throttle.

The sooner I’m out of LA the better.

His shoulders relaxed and he leaned into Kandi. She slid her hands around his waist and squeezed. The hot wind blew into his face but the feeling of freedom overrode any discomfort. Driving a familiar path, he left the freeway on the second Palmdale exit and headed north. The dry dusty landscape soon gave way to rolling hills bearing a bit of green from the spring rains. The two-lane road undulated around the edge of the lake. Sitting on the San Andreas Fault, it was one of a series of sag ponds created by the teutonic plates. Cool air from the water drifted to the edges of the road caressing the hot, dusty riders.

Soon the hillsides were dotted with homes and the signs of civilization became evident. Joey slowed to the posted speed limit.

Kandi felt the muscles in his body loosen up. This ride and Dottie’s Hideaway always refreshed them. Today was going to be no exception. She figured talking him into staying at least one night wouldn’t be a problem.

Outside the rocky front of Dottie’s, lining the length of the building was every conceivable combination of motorcycle. There were hardcore Harleys of all descriptions to Japanese speed bikes. This was a destination for many riders, Joey and Kandi included.

Joey waited for a spot near the door, sliding his bike into the opening. Kandi opted to dismount before he backed the bike in; removing her helmet once she was on solid ground. She watched him leg out the kickstand and dismount before she attempted to settle her helmet on the sissy bar.

The Hideaway was bustling with activity.

“Damn lot of people here today,” Joey grumbled.

Kandi ran her finger through her hair trying her best to eliminate as much ‘helmet hair’ look as she could.

“Could be because it’s spring vacation. Not everybody works seven days a week, Joey.”

“Might help the economy if they did.” He turned to her and lowered his voice. “Most of these so-called bikers are RUBs, anyway.”

She tossed a scowl his direction he ignored. “There’s nothing wrong with Rich Urban Bikers. Their money is just as green.”

He humphed.

Kandi pulled in and slowly released a deep breath. She knew the signs—Joey was determined to be miserable. Nothing she could try would jar him from his mood. Today’s final hearing about his brother’s death had been difficult to sit through. Everything Joey was today he owed to his brother Alex.

When Alex had followed his dream of becoming a stunt man to Hollywood, Joey had been his biggest proponent. After becoming Corey Rigby’s stunt double, Alex’s career had soared. He’d contacted Joey to move to California with him. Floating a bit aimlessly in the Northwest, Joey jumped at the chance. He brought his sheet metal and tube bending skills with him and soon was working in the aerospace industry in the Antelope Valley. On the side, he helped Alex create safety aids for his stunts in the movies. The partnership had saved Alex’s life on more than one occasion.

When the Highway Patrol officer showed up at Joey’s work that fateful day eighteen months ago, he suspected Alex was hurt. The officer told Joey the worst news possible; Alex was dead. Not in a movie stunt but from an apparent auto accident after a day’s shoot. At first, the accident was written off as just that—an accident, but Joey was livid at the slap on the wrist the authorities gave Corey. Having his brother so close to the movie star, he knew the man had a bad drinking problem and had escaped justice several times. He decided to sue for wrongful death.

The trial today was the final phase of a year’s long attempt to get justice for his brother, and Joey wasn’t pleased with the results.

Kandi knew in the bottom of her heart she needed to help Joey find a solution. She trailed behind him as he meandered into the restaurant and lounge. The cacophony of voices set the nerves on her skin to tingling. She turned around to speak to him and stared into space. He’d disappeared in the breadth of a second.

“Kandi!”

She jerked her head in the direction of his voice. He’d secured two seats by the window. She wound her way through the tables and sat in the chair. The interior was deceptive. Large windows allowed the bright day to light the room but drew in warmth. High overhead fans were twirling rapidly but barely moving the body heat put out by the filled tables of customers.

“I ordered a gin tonic and sweet tea for you. Hope that’s okay.”

She graced him with a smile.

“Of course. I’m going to visit the facilities. I’ll be back.”

He nodded absently and resumed watching the street traffic.

Kandi navigated the tight tables and rushing waitresses to visit the women’s restroom located outside in a separate building. As she stood waiting for one of the stalls to empty, her eyes were caught by a colorful flyer on the bathroom door.

Presented by Wyvern Riders MC

Brother Can you Spare a Ride?

From Mojave to Lake Hughes

To East Lancaster and back

Ride to stop hunger in the AV

Kandi glanced around and quietly took the poster down. She examined the paper and realized the nagging at the back of her head was because the picture of the dragon in flight was identical to a couple pins she’d seen earlier today. The lawyer and judge wore silver tie tacks that resembled the dragon at the top of the flyer. Stuffing the announcement in her purse she realized this could be the key for revenge Joey needed. Already her mind was racing and a plan was forming. She’d talk him into staying the night, as planned, and present her thoughts to him after a night of drinking and frolicking.

She exited the stall and nodded at the next person waiting in line.

Alex’s death would be avenged—with flair.