I’d encountered many big talkers at truck stops who barked insults louder than their engines, but this moment hit differently. Two bikers stood near the fuel pumps, pointing at a big trucker climbing down from his rig. One laughed, saying, “I bet that truck’s got better suspension than your knees.” His buddy howled, clearly trying to impress someone.
I thought about stepping in, but the trucker’s reaction gave me pause. He didn’t flinch, and for a second, it seemed he hadn’t heard the comment. But then, the way he smiled said otherwise. That’s when I saw the scarred knuckles and how the bikers nearby had gone dead quiet. Something serious was brewing.