Page 22 of Ranger's Rise
“What is it?”
I shrug. “She didn’t say. I didn’t ask because she was handling it. She’s not a Brother, so when she made a comment, I pointed out covering Cort. She agreed and said she’d bring it to you and if it was right, you’d cover Cort.”
“Always, Brother. I forget that she’s not a Brother and wouldn’t jump to protecting him. He’s capable of protecting himself so she’d see that.”
I nod moving for my plate. “I’ve been thinking about what Pres said. I’m not saying no, but I’m not sure now is the time for me to think about leading a Club. It’s what my dad and Tito were grooming me for, but being here feels right to me. President was never a dream for me, that was my dad and uncle, but Badass is my life so I’d take the Lead to keep that going.”
“I’m the same. I have no interest in moving to my own Club. Cort was always Pres to me and I don’t see that changing. I need to be close to him, but it’s more about me than him. We were taught to guide each other. I’m his support and need him to lead the way while I do my part. We were brought up to be who we are now. He’s the Leader and I’m his second. It’s always been and changing it feels wrong.”
I get that. “That’s how I feel too, but I’m new and don’t want to piss him off.”
He laughs. “Just tell him, Brother. You’re not shutting it down, just not interested right now. He’ll understand that. He’s wanted you as Officer right along. He feels shit deep and pays attention to those feelings. He won’t go against what you feel just to get another Club going. His right and wrong don’t suffer because he’s crazy. He’s fucking smart too. Besides, Falcon hasn’t said, but he’s ready. The Brother would make a strong President. Jordan asked about him as VP, but Cort doesn’t think they’d work. Jordan needs someone like Brinks. Younger and Ops oriented.”
“I can see that. The Lead that took over for me is like Brinks. I think that’s why I’m comfortable with him.”
He stops before he bites his burrito. “Get Web his name. You think he’d take a job with Jordan?”
“I could ask. He’s a good Brother and more loyal to Badass than the new Pres.”
He nods. “Get Web his name if he’s open to a move.”
I pull my phone and call Jack. “It’s Ranger. You open to a move?” Why the fuck would I ask if I wasn’t serious?“Brother, there’s a need. A Club in the Council, not SAA, but possible VP, they need a strong Ops Lead. The President is IT and business.” I wait while he’s stunned stupid. Finally, he says yeah. “I’ll put your name up and someone will contact you. Thanks, Brother.” I swipe him off and text Web his name as a possible VP in the city. When I look at my plate, I yawn. I need to sleep tonight.
“Mounty’s training?”
I laugh. “Less sleep than normal and I didn’t work out this morning. I run position sets and it helps.”
He nods. “Freedom is a good woman.”
It sounds like a warning. “I’ll treat her right. She’d kill me if I don’t.”
He laughs. “So would the Brothers.”
I have to smile. “Yeah, but I don’t think that’s a bad thing, VP.”
“What isn’t?”Cort sits and a Prospect appears. “My regular.”
“The Brothers killing him if he doesn’t treat Freedom right.”
Cort nods. “It’s as it should be. I think it’s right too. So, it’s good with her?”
I swallow with my head nodding. “Yeah. I thought I was going to have a heart attack. It was weird but good.”
His smile says it all. “Same thing happened to me. You’reall in. That’s good. She’s connected deep in the community here.”
“Yeah. Here feels like home. I’m not sure about another Club. This feels right to me. President wasn’tmygoal, but I’d do what was needed to keep Badass going. I don’t know aboutall in, but I’m not stepping away from it.”
He’s surprised but smiling again. “That’s good. I feel like you belong here too. Withall inyou feel it right away. Not knowing meaning you never felt it?”
“Never anything like I do with Freedom. We just met, but something connects me deep with her. She feels like home too. I need to see where all this goes. I’ve never seen anyone close to meall in. It’s like an urban myth.” I shrug.
“I am,” VP says.
Cort nods. “Me too. Don’t do the long way, Brother. If you feel it that strong, claim her and make sure she knows.”
“What’s the long way? Like dating? I don’t know anyone that dated either. At least not in the Club. My military team dated, but I hooked up. Knowing I was leaving the second orders came in kept me from anything long-term and, being honest, I liked it that way.”
Cort gets a pan of food that looks good. “I should have got that. Last time they put too many potatoes.” VP looks like he’s going to start drooling. I laugh at him as Cort swings his head.
