Looking for feedback.
I'm writing a story where one of my characters, Jared, had an association with a local biker gang. He is trying to get out, they want him back in. Your advice on whether the following scene & dialog is realistic or not, would be helpful. Any suggestions much appreciated................ Several days later, the sun was out, the breeze light, hope was a companion when I walked out of my apartment and saw them waiting for me. Tony, Carlos and Banger from my old gang. Tony and Carlos had been friends before the gang. They had joined and then pulled me in. Banger, who’s real name I never knew, had sort of been our sergeant or crew leader. He was not anyone I wanted to get on the wrong side of.
“What Cha been up to J?” Banger asked, his voice gruff but laced with a crooked smile that didn’t reach his eyes.
“Not much, working when I can, trying to survive like everyone else.”
Jose chuckled, low and sharp, as he leaned against the railing of the stairwell. “Surviving? That what you call disappearing on us?”
I shifted uneasily, my gaze passing between them. “After our guys died, I needed time. Figured you guys would understand.”
Carlos stepped closer, his leather jacket creaking as he moved. “Time? You don’t get time, J. Not in this life. You know that.”
I tightened my grip on the duffel. “Look, I’m out. I didn’t think I needed to make some grand announcement. I just... walked away.”
Banger crossed his arms, towering over me, his expression hardening. “Walked away? Ain’t nobody walks away, J. You don’t just leave the family.”
“Family doesn’t make you feel like a prisoner. Family doesn’t drag you into things you can’t come back from.”
“You got a lot of nerve, man,” Jose said, stepping forward. “After everything we did for you—after everything you did with us—now you wanna act like you’re better than this?”
“I’m not better than anyone. I just want something else. Something different.”
Carlos snorted. “Different, huh? Different ain’t gonna keep you alive when you’re out there alone.”
Banger raised a hand, silencing Carlos. His eyes locked on mine, cold and calculating. “Here’s the thing, J. You can pretend all you want, but you’ll always be one of us. Blood in, blood out.”
My heart thudded, but I didn’t flinch. “I’ve already bled for this crew, Banger. I’m done.”
Banger took a step closer, his voice low and threatening. “You don’t get to be done. Not unless I say so.”