Page 18 of Master's Rise
I walk away thinking killed is a bit extreme for loading a dishwasher if I’m close by. I make sure they live through the day by getting the server stations stocked.
~*~*~
Cort
My call to Colorado, honestly laying out what happened, then the plan was received well. Major even has two Officers that were considering a move but weren't sure if I’d accept them as Officers. His VP Jordan is a good Brother that I trust. The way this is all falling into place tells me it’s right. I can never be the presence in the city again, but I can still guide the Brotherhood we set up there.
Loading my truck with the shit I put aside for Sharp, I look at tracking and find him at a diner off the northbound highway. A quick call has him agreeing to meet me at the bar in half an hour. It still gives me enough time to get there and talk to Rex about my little angelic Badass.
Laughing at myself for deciding she’s mine before our dinner, I drive to the bar replaying the two disabling moves I saw her use. Then that fucking smile she gave me as if it was an everyday occurrence. That has me wondering if it is. I’ll know soon enough. Web has the Hardware and Pizza blocks already wired. The Brothers will be talking nonstop about seeing shit like that.
I’m trying to think of what was happening today when I see the bikes filling the bar lot. Racking my brain isn’t producing any answers, so I go in and ask.
“Cort!” “Boss!” “Pres!” is yelled when I walk in making my feet stop and my head swivel like an owl taking them all in.
Rex laughs. “They’re excited about tomorrow, Cortland. Relax.”
I do with a smile. “Brothers.” I see a lot of Nomads from Colorado here, but only a handful are transferring membership to our chapter. I bet they’ll like the new plan.
Brinks and Jinx are at the bar helping Rex fill orders. The sight makes me proud. They weren’t at breakfast, but I know Amos or Web talked to them. “Word of the day?” I ask when I get close.
“Adroit!” the whole fucking bar yells. Everyone is playing. Fucking Rex.
Good word. “Clever, quick-witted, cunning.” I throw out quickly.
Jinx throws me chin smiling. “Our adroit Boss is adept at dealing with rabid chihuahuas.” He’s loud enough to get the Brothers laughing.
“Fucking Brothers. Good usage, Jinx. I’ll take a beer.”
My uncle moves down the bar smiling. That smile has me remembering what Seren said. “Seren told me how she sees you as family. I’m glad she does and you obviously feel the same. I’m sorry I was so busy keeping everything running, I forgot how to keepusrunning. Don’t let me get so far away again.”
He pulls my neck closer and kisses my head. “Sometimes you need to work through it. I won’t wait so long next time. Loss isn’t something we need to go through alone. Seren helped me see that.”
I shake my head. She opened my eyes too. “Love ya, Rex.”
“I know, Son. You’ve always made me proud. I hope Reed isn’t missing this. You’re a good man, Cortland Masters. My brother shared you with me from the start. I couldn’t love you more than I do today.”
Leaning over, I kiss his head getting a laugh from him. “Did you know Seren was in martial arts?”
Jinx starts laughing then tells him about her taking out the stalker. Rex is amazed, but Sharp sides up to me and I have a meet in twenty minutes. I knock twice on the bar letting him know I’m out but will be back. Sharp follows me out the door.
“I brought over some supplies. I stayed in the room upstairs and left because I wasn’t sure if I’d make it to the morning. It’s fucking hot up there.”
He laughs, it sounds like a walrus bark while he’s eyeing the portable air conditioner. “This is great, thanks. I want to get this up before the deranged guy shows and pilfers it. He’s been hanging in the lot all day.”
Raid parks beside the truck and watches Sharp go through the boxes. “Cort.”
“My house has air so this is sitting in the garage collecting dust. The sheets and blanket don’t fit my bed and the decorator guy sent matching towels and shit.”
I throw him chin and answer Sharp. “I don’t want anything back. If you move, leave it, or give it to a Brother in need.”
“I will. Thanks, Boss.”
“I don’t collect shit so you’re doing me a favor here. I'll help you get it upstairs.” Before I take a box closest to me, Raid has it so I take the air conditioner. One trip works just fine for me. Sharp can make a second trip, he’s younger than us.
Coming down the stairs, I see someone at my truck. What the hell is with people? “You need help?”
He eyes the cut disregarding me. “I left something in the truck. It ain’t your concern.”
