Richard didn’t even look at his wife. He backhanded her across the shoulder, shoving her backward so violently she tripped over the concrete pump island and slammed her knees into the asphalt.
Everett’s jaw tightened. The leather of his gloves creaked as his hands balled into fists. He stepped toward Richard, fully prepared to lay the man out on the grease-stained concrete.
But before Everett could swing, a short siren chirped behind them.
A Kentucky State Police cruiser was rolling slowly through the travel plaza’s parking lot, the officer inside scanning the commotion.
Richard’s eyes darted to the cruiser, and an ugly, triumphant smile spread across his face. In a split second, his entire demeanor changed. He let go of the child, threw his hands up in mock surrender, and shouted toward the police car.
“Officer! Officer, help! This biker is threatening my family!”