Tink pulled Dustin from his thoughts as she sat a tall stack of pancakes down in front of him. Placing another plate of bacon off to the side as Trevor walked in. Kissing her on the cheek. Dustin has always been amazed by how well things looked on the surface. Especially from one outside looking in. The average person wouldn’t believe, a kind caring man like Trevor ran drugs for a living just working at his Uncle's pawnshop part-time as a cover to what he really does. 

That Tink was one woman, no one wanted to mess with. Having no problem beating someone down with her bare hands if you crossed her or the ones she cared for which, included anyone in the gang. She would even step up when needed for transporting a shipment. Most people wouldn’t dare think a little hundred pound five foot three women with trusting eyes would be up to no good.

Just about everyone in the gang had a story similar to their own. Only a few of them were actually bad apples so to say. Most just wanted to make a living that provided for their family. Others didn’t have anywhere to go, much like Dustin himself. The gang wasn’t something he was born into. It was where he went to be a part of something. To have a family of his own. Dustin and his little brother Devin did not have the most attentive or caring parents in the world. They were too wrapped up in making money and ignoring them. The only attention they ever got was negative.

Around fourteen Dustin started to pull away more staying out later skipping school. Anything to stay away from home. The gang appealed to him because they accepted him right off the bat. Becoming quick friends with both Trevor and Mike. It started with little things and a lot of hazing. Being a lookout for the cops when things were going down. Selling shit on the corner, making money.

It wasn’t long before everyone noticed that Dustin had a nag for fighting moving up the ranks to the point of becoming one of the few Enforcers for the Sons. Eighteen partying all day and night, kicking ass wherever he was needed. Making sure others stayed in line with what the Leader expected. 

Along with making sure those who crossed the Sons got what was coming to them. He was pretty ruthless at this time in his life. For a long while he felt on top, needed, wanted, loved. The things he was always looking for from at home but never got. Things like that drive people to do just about anything.

“Aren’t you hungry?” Asked Tink as she squeezed his shoulder, placing the syrup down on the table.

Dustin mumbled something that appeared to be a yes as he picked up three pancakes placing them on his plate along with some beacon before smothering it in syrup. Trevor repeating the same things across from him. There are so many things between the two of them that are alike aside from their outward appearance. Most just assumed they were blood brothers. 

Eating their meal in silence, Dustin went back to his thoughts about last night. Getting released Dustin was still under a microscope, which Mike didn’t really want to hear from him. Even after serving ten years in federal prison he still had two years of parole. However, he was informed that if all was well in six months he could appeal the parole. Perhaps have it dropped since his time served was all in a good light. 

Parole meant no messing up for him whatsoever. Weekly check-ins with his parole officer which his first appointment was today. Minimal drinking, no drugs, random piss test on the spot, work, and a place to stay which was about the only thing he had checked off. 

Tink was quite fond of him and willing to help him out for now. Dustin couldn't be caught with his hands dirty of anything, which meant the best option for him was to try and stay away from the gang and find steady employment. Well, at least that’s what he read in the little two-page pamphlet they gave him right before he was released. Ensuring him that his office will outline the rules for him a lot more clearly at their first meeting so he better pays attention.

“I can carry you to the office this morning but you’ll have to find your own way back.” Spoke Trevor.

Dustin got up from the table as he cleared his plate halfway washing it in the sink before Tink took it from him. Finishing it herself, drying it, and putting it away while also telling him to not worry about washing his dishes around here.

“That’s fine I can just walk back. It’s supposed to be nice out.”

Trevor laughed, “It’s like eight miles away.”

Dustin just shrugged, ten years of being in a six by eight-foot room walking eight miles home seemed to be a nice idea. Tink kissing Trevor goodbye, telling the two of them to be safe knowing she meant that more for Trevor than him today. Around mile six in the car, Trevor spoke up breaking the silence.

“So I’ve been asking around town to see if anyone needs an extra hand with anything. So far nothing has really come up beside the old chop shop.”

Dustin knew exactly what Trevor was talking about. Not caring for the idea of working there but he really didn’t have the means to be picking about anything now.

“James still owns it?” He asked.

“What do you think?” 

That was a yes.

“I can try asking my uncle again if he could toss some hours your way to help you out.”

“Nah it’s cool.”

Dustin never really cared for James. He was known around town for hitting his wife. Something Dustin didn’t stand for. So for both of their safety, he didn't go anywhere near that man or his place of ownership.