Page 44 of Citiali: Teach
“Justice had Cort hold this one. Ari was at Rescue with Alder for a while.”
Bending, to see by Knight, I throw chin to Danny. “No one gave explanations. Mase just said he’s been waiting.”
Knight looks at me but I keep watching the class. “You didn’t ask for here?”
“No. I came to see Justice for a job. He kept me on their compound until the meet for Virginia was set then sent me for Putam. I met Ari after the meet.”
“You met Zeke.”
I nod for Knight. “I met them all but mostly at the compound. Zeke was different. We spent time on the reservation.”
Danny leans so I turn toward him. “What’s a messenger do?”
I smile. They know everything they’re asking about. “Just like it sounds. I bring messages, truths, to Brothers who can pass it to their clans. That used to be medicine men but times have changed.”
“Good place for you. Teller said you’re important here. Didn’t say why.” Teller is his grandson, he must have hounded him for information.
I shrug. “I guess we’ll find out.”
“Your girl is a messenger too?” Danny asks
“No, Boss. She’s a Protector through and through. Training is a good place for her.”
I feel the bundle of energy before she yells. “VP Citiali!”
Everyone stops to see the loud flash of color heading my way. I shake my head seeing the line of kids holding hands way behind her. When she stops, the Brothers on the floor laugh. The blur of color and loud yell doesn’t match the tiny girl full of excited energy.
“Cuyler, glad you’re here, but next time make it without disrupting the class that’s still going on.”
She looks embarrassed but turns. “Sorry. I’m excited for the new training. I won’t mess your class up next time we’re here.” I’m surprised she talks to the class and Dyani.
My girl finds the girl funny. “We’re done, Cuyler. They have ten before the next class. I’m with you after Citiali’s class.”
The kids float down and walk from the end of the gazebo. I throw them all chin then step back when Arndt and Atseelsoi walk to Cuyler. Danny and Knight stay close but make a point to watch the Brothers talk to Dyani or walk away now that class is over.
My girl is happy. She isn’t smiling but I can feel it as she talks to a Brother. When she’s done, I walk her way. “It was a great class.”
Her smile says it all. “It was. I’m going to love my new job.” She told me about their training classes with different people for everything from IT to cooking. Martial arts was her favorite but she learned enough about everything to make a life after the CIA.
I bend to kiss her head because I’m glad that life is with me. “You’re good at it. I need to call for the suits.”
Just as I’m turning, Prospects roll out suits on racks so I turn back. “Maybe not.”
She laughs at me. “I’ve got some feeds to watch so I can be ready for the next class.”
I nod and walk to the flight suits thinking she’s determined and it will be an asset to the Club and me. Seeing the Brothers swarm the suits, I smile but not for them. My girl’s determination shows in places I never expected, like her ol’ lady lists. Rating positions, new toys and videos will never be a problem for me and those quick comebacks, secret smile andunruly hair have me hooked. I never expected it but I’m loving every minute of it.
I almost walk into Mucimi. “Brother, bad form.”
“You need more than sex and wit.” He’s not happy with me.
“You need to look deeper. Sharing our home, knowing she’s there, close, a connection that’s mine by choice all mean something to me. Our time talking is filled with different experiences, views and laughing. She loves being outdoors and is running with me, it’s something she could never do growing up in a building. We cook, clean, plan classes, watch feeds and genuinely like each other. The ancestors have spoken and we heard them, understanding who they are and their importance in our lives. She doesn’t have to be with me and I don’t have to be with her, the knowledge makes us both appreciate the hell out of each other for the commitment we made. I don’t just love her, Brother, I cherish every minute we have together. Go find someone else to bitch at. This isn’t a fight you’ll win.”
He raises up, kisses my head and disappears.
“Fuckin’ Brothers.”
Danny laughs. “That was a good explanation ofall in. Maybe he’ll go claim his girl.”
