Page 99 of Master's Rise
Fucking Brothers. "I have some information that ties Crow, my dad and my ol' lady's dad to Masons here. I was just heading his way. I think the Sheriff is a Mason or has some kind of tie to them. One of the deputies was and I can't see him getting in any other way."
He whistles. "Quite a few Badass Officers are Masons. I may be able to help. If it's true, getting the Sheriff out just got easier. I'll explain when I get there."
I look at my phone, he's gone. Fucking great. Walking out, Raid is waiting. "You don't have to guard the doors in the fucking building, Brother." I smile.
He laughs. "I could just to piss you off, but I sent the Prospect to get me a burrito."
Cowboy Jr., Mounty and Trask come down the stairs. "New job, Boss?" Trask thinks he’s cute.
I shrug. "For the moment. Major is on his way and Raid was hungry. Cowboy Jr., see Banks for the bill."
"I will, Cort. How do you like your office and the lobbies?"
I smile. "I love the chairs and Raid likes the couch, he said it's comfortable. I thought you'd like one of the bikes that came in."
He tries to hold his smile back but can't. "There was one that I found particularly interesting."
I laugh. I bet. Trask thinks it's the RR. I let them talk then watch them leave. The Prospect runs up with a burrito. "VP, they put extra bacon for you."
"Good job, Prospect. We have VIPs coming in. Make sure you look alert. We'll be in your office."
"Roger, VP."
Since I have nothing better to do for ten minutes, I follow him in. "Did you ever have a problem with the VP?"
He sits and opens the wrapper. "I think if you had died for me to fill the seat, maybe I would. I'd never feel like I measured up. With you moving to Pres. It wasn't hard for me. You did a good job, but I worked under you. I knew everything that was expected and I had you to help me."
He takes a huge bite so I think about that. For so long, I had Crow and my dad. Crow died and I stepped into President. My dad helped with advice and shit. Major was always a phone call away. When I started feeling like I had it, my dad died. Major was still close but he's a busy Brother. It was harder to call him. For a few years, I felt good about where I was and the direction we were heading, then it all fell apart.
Now, I feel sure of my path. Maybe Brinks was right, this is where I'm supposed to be. It sure as hell feels like I was drawn here. The Brothers moving from everywhere, this building, our new direction, all feel like it's meant for one purpose. Our purpose, our heart. I smile. Even Seren feels right in a way that is new.
A knock at the door gets me focusing here.
"Pres, VP, a chopper is landing."
"Thanks, Remy."
I stand and watch Raid stuff his mouth. Walking out I’m shaking my head. Major and Jordan are walking toward the portico. I wait under it. "Brothers, welcome." The chopper must be waiting for them.
"Cort, this is unbelievable. No wonder you didn't have a problem with the bikes. You have a stockpile."
I give them both a half hug and shake my head no. "The bikes came from the warehouse at the dealer. They make them for us. They're right in the city, these were transported by truck. I have a warehouse for guns in the city too. The shops are everywhere but we found a secure central location so it worked. It still works, just a little slower."
He laughs. "Look up, Major." Jordan is reacting like I had hoped.
"Fucking Brother. I want to see the whole building. You had this built?"
"No, it was a hospital, we had it modified. You'll get to see trainees’ rooms. It was once the geriatric ward."
They're both laughing. I bet they think I'm kidding.
The doors swish open and the logo makes me proud. "Major, Jordan, Pres, VP." The Prospect waits for us to acknowledge. Jordan and Major do by throwing chin as they look around. "Remy. Major, Jordan, do you want a drink while we walk. We have a cafeteria if you're hungry."
"I'm good. Thanks, Brother, Prospect," Jordan says.
Major waves it away walking toward Crows bike. "Did you know he was a Mason, Cortland?" I hear nostalgia in his voice. This is new.
"I did. Many of his lessons were a mix of his Indian, Mason and Badass beliefs. I hate to say it, but I think it was in that order too."
