Chapter 2 - THE CLAIMANT
Footsteps echoed sharply against the linoleum.
A man stepped into Aisle 14, moving with a fast, unnatural stride. He was forty years old, dressed in a neatly pressed blue polo shirt, khaki trousers, and clean brown loafers—a picture of quiet, middle-class suburban normalcy. Hanging over his right shoulder was a small, bright purple canvas backpack decorated with colorful cartoon badges.
However, his eyes were cold, scanning the shelves rapidly until they locked onto Emma.
"There you are, Emma!" the Stranger called out, forcing a warm, bright fatherly smile onto his face as he walked quickly toward them. He looked at Jack with an easy, dismissive nod. "Thank you, sir. She’s my daughter. She likes to run off when I'm not looking."
The moment the Stranger’s voice echoed down the aisle, Emma let out a tiny, stifled gasp. She immediately darted behind Jack’s massive, six-foot-five frame, wrapping her small arms tightly around his left leg, burying her face into the heavy leather of his biker vest.
Jack didn't stand up immediately. He remained crouched, using his broad body as a human shield between the child and the approaching man. He looked down past his shoulder at Emma's trembling hand as it peeked around his waist.
Jack raised his right hand slightly so only Emma could see his fingers, signing quickly:
IS HE YOUR DAD?
Emma shook her head violently, her ponytail whipping back and forth. Her fingers moved rapidly against the side of Jack’s thigh in small, frantic ASL shapes:
May you like
I DON'T KNOW HIM.
Jack’s expression changed instantly. The warm, protective gentleness in his dark eyes evaporated, replaced by the cold, predatory threat of a veteran motorcycle club officer who recognized danger in an instant.
