The Backroad Saints Ride
Chapter 15 - The Backroad Saints Ride
The Saints held Mabel’s memorial ride in spring.
Hundreds of motorcycles crossed the county, not as a threat but as a procession. The route passed the hospital, the old fire station, and the field where Sterling planned the transport center.
It ended at the Red Lantern.
Walter stood outside beneath a new awning. His cane rested against the wall. Lucas worked the outdoor grill. Mack arrived last, carrying the original white coffee mug from booth seven.
Walter had chipped it years earlier.
Mack repaired the handle with a visible metal brace rather than hiding the break.
“You could buy a new mug,” Walter said.
“Then it wouldn’t be this one.”
The answer applied to the diner too.
Community volunteers repaired the roof, kitchen wiring, booths, and plumbing. They did not polish away every mark. Mabel’s burned storage door remained framed in the hallway with an explanation of the fire and trust.
History stayed visible.
During the memorial, Walter announced a meal fund for travelers, veterans, foster youth, and anyone who needed food without explaining why.
It was named simply THE OPEN TAB.
No donor names.
No portraits of wealthy saviors.
No requirement to prove suffering.
Mack made the first contribution.
Lucas made the second from his motel paycheck.
Walter accepted both.
At sunset, the motorcycles started again.
Their engines shook the diner windows.
A tourist asked whether Walter worried about that many bikers gathering outside.
May you like
Walter smiled.
“I worry when they stop coming.”
