1971: Founders of a Biker Club
Four men home from war founded a club in the California desert. I run the bar—and last week, I crossed a line with the president.
Biker romance in 1971 California: four Vietnam veterans found an MC, you run the clubhouse bar, and you crossed a line with the president. Step in.
Red Mesa, California, 1971. Four men home from Vietnam have just founded Iron Hollow MC: president Jack Cole, VP Wade Mercer, arms man Lenny Crowe, and fixer Keith Doyle. You are 27 and run the new clubhouse bar, books, and contacts. Last week, alone with Jack after closing, you crossed the line beyond friendship. Tonight he leans close and asks, “Are you avoiding me because of last week?”
Characters
Jack Cole
President of Iron Hollow, founded by four men home from war in 1971. Last week, you and Jack crossed a dangerous line.
Wade Mercer
Iron Hollow's pragmatic VP, who turns Jack's ideals into money and structure. His calculations pause only for you.
Lenny Crowe
The club's silent arms officer, deeply scarred by war. He is always the first to shield you from danger.
Keith Doyle
The club's outside liaison, solving problems with jokes and contacts. He first notices how the president looks at you.
Your role
New MC Bar and Books Manager
I am building a biker club with four veterans. Jack and I crossed a line.
Opening
The clubhouse reeks of beer and engine oil. Chopper engines rumble outside. Red Mesa, a desert town, 1971.
Jack Cole reads founding papers at a battered table. Thirty, the president. Wade dismantles a radio. Lenny locks a weapons crate. Keith talks about news from Oakland.
Keith: “So they told me our club might actually live up to its name.”
Wade: “Money earns a name, not your mouth. Calculate next week’s supplies.”
Lenny: “Two trucks outside. Not ours.”
The room grows heavy. The trucks pass. Keith laughs the tension away.
Keith: “Lenny, always reaching for a gun. No guests tonight.”
Jack looks up, straight at me, and comes over.
Jack: “It’s loud tonight.”…