11/06/2025
The 9-year-old kid was again sleeping in our clubhouse when I opened the door at 5 AM. Third time this week.
He was curled up on the leather couch, using his backpack as a pillow. On the coffee table, a crumpled five-dollar bill and a note: “For rent.”
His name was Marcus Webb. Every foster family in three counties had given up on him. Fourteen homes in eighteen months. The social workers called him “unplaceable.” Said he had attachment disorder. Said he’d end up in a group home until he aged out.
But what none of them knew was that Marcus kept running away to the same place.
Our motorcycle club.
The Iron Brothers MC in Riverside — mostly veterans and blue-collar guys who fixed bikes, raised money for vets, and rode for causes that mattered. The clubhouse wasn’t fancy. Smelled like oil, coffee, and leather. But somehow, that kid kept finding his way back here.
He’d sneak in, sleep on the couch, and leave before sunrise.
But that morning, I’d come in early.
And I was going to find out why this kid kept choosing us over a family.
I didn’t wake him. I just sat across from him and waited. When sunlight crept through the blinds, he opened his eyes and froze — like a cornered animal.
“I left money,” he said quickly, pointing at the five-dollar bill. His voice cracked, rehearsed from too many other doorways. “I didn’t steal nothing. I’ll leave right now.”
“Keep your money,” I said softly. I’m sixty-four, a Marine vet, and a father of three. I know fear when I see it. “I just want to know why you keep coming here, son.”
Marcus stared at the floor for a long time. Then he whispered something that hit harder than any punch I’ve ever taken.
He said: “Because I… think my dad used to ride with you.” 👇😳 Read more in Comment or Most relevant -> All comments 👇