Page 63 of Citiali: Teach
Brothers laugh but I ignore them.
“You settle Ari?” Cort asks.
“Yeah, Boss. He’s calm.”
Ari elbows me in the side. “We’re still not expanding.”
I nod. “You said that, so I’ll make it happen, Brother.”
“You can make a shield so crews can’t build?”
Raid has my eyes rolling. Dyani laughs. “No, Brother, or maybe, but I wouldn’t need a shield. I’d point out the cost and waste associated with expanding for a few days of use. There’s a whole tent Club three miles away, the big club less than five miles from that. Do we really need to expand for this?” He’s the business guy. “You wouldn’t even give us pieces. You’re going to okay expansion here?”
He looks away from me. “Cort said it’s not an Ops Club.”
“Since we’re obviously cutting waste, Club expansion is off the table?”
The giant moves, standing fast, he hits Jessie’s food off his fork. “I didn’t say you’re expanding for a party. I’m eating outside.” He takes his plate and walks.
Jessie pushes Raid’s chair back and glares at Ari. “Stay right there.”
I smile at Ari. “No expansion and we can eat.”
They’re all laughing now.
“Has he always been like that? Does he do business?” Cort asks.
I look at the other side of the table and throw a smiling Hemy chin. “He’s been the same for years except the paint and eyes. His eyes flashed when he’s pissed but not like now. He learned Lead, Teach and Enforce like the rest but he blasted through Officer young and he’s Indian, he doesn’t do waste anyway.” His hand swipes at air as he shakes his head.He doesn’t like waste either and he didn’t grow up on the reservation.
I smile at him. “Thanks, Pres.”
“Is the paint permanent?” Prez Knight asks.
“No but his eyes are always with the circle of gold now.”
Cort answers so I turn for the Prospect. “The same.”
He smiles at me and walks fast toward the kitchen. I always get whatever was ordered so I’m not waiting on food. Dyani finds it funny. I kiss her smile. “Are the kids here today?”
Those pretty eyes shine at me. “I got a chat from Atseelsoi. They’ll be here.”
Shit. I close my eyes and breathe. I was planning the next number on her list. She told me right before I implemented that plan. “I was distracted.” I try for a sheepish look.
She laughs at me. “You were and it was worth it.”
Officers stand drawing my attention. Everyone shifts seats so Cort, Prez and Hemy are right beside and across from us. Dyani’s eyes go wide. I laugh. “They’re bored down there.”
“How do you make the paint go away?” Cort asks but he’s looking at Dyani.
“I don’t. He breathes reservation air or something to calm or settle him. If he thinks of someone needing something or he needs it, the paint shows.”
“Does it show regularly?” Prez asks.
“All through the day,” Ari answers. Since they’re all talking, but not to me, I eat.
***
The Brothers are wherever they went, I’m hoping back to the tent Club, so just Prez, Cort and Hemy are here with their dogs. It’s a quiet walk until we get to the rock wall around thisside of the lake. Prez points so they sit. I sit on the grass in front of them so I can see them all.
