Jack didn't move.
"Why bring it here?"
Mia looked around the room.
"Because I was told this was the only place where people would understand it."
She unfolded the letter.
Her voice shook as she began reading.
"To my brothers at Reaper's Hollow..."
Several men lowered their eyes.
"If my daughter ever comes looking for you, don't judge her by her age."
Jack's jaw tightened.
Mia continued.
"She will probably be scared. She may pretend she isn't. She may even be angry."
A tiny smile appeared on Mia's face.
"But she's stronger than I ever was."
Jack looked away.
The room was completely silent.
"If she comes wearing my patch, don't ask whether she's earned it."
Mia stopped.
She looked at the men.
Then she read the final sentence.
"Ask whether you have earned the right to stand beside her."
Nobody moved.
The letter slipped slightly in Mia's hand.
For the first time that evening, she looked seventeen.
Not fearless.
Not intimidating.
Just a daughter standing in a room full of men who had known her father better than she ever could.
Jack slowly removed his leather vest.
Then he placed it on the bar.
The Challenge
Ralph broke the silence.
"That's touching."
Everyone turned toward him.
Ralph looked uncomfortable.
He wasn't convinced.
"Still doesn't make her a biker."
Jack stared at him.
"Ralph."
"No."
Ralph shook his head.
"Daniel was one of us. She isn't."
Mia folded the letter.
"I never said I was."
Ralph frowned.
"Then why are you here?"
Mia looked him straight in the eyes.
"Because I need to know why he died."
That question hit harder than any insult.
She continued.