Page 24 of Benga's Rise
“A Prospect will bring phones for you and Leo. He’ll be able to call before he goes to bed. I need some information, like when’s bedtime and what time school starts. Seren Masters will bring him if it’s okay with you. She also offered help while you’re recuperating.”
The fear in her eyes clears some. “Thank you for the phones. I know Seren from years ago but have only seen her in passing over the years and didn’t see her often. I have friends that speak highly of her.”
Shit. “Are you in Krav Maga?”
She smiles and it’s real making her face change from worried to pretty. “No, but only because I’ve never had the time. Someday, I’ll have that time. That was a good guess. You know Freedom and Victory. I was a grade ahead of them.”
I nod. “Is it okay if Seren takes him to school?”
“Sorry. Pain medication is keeping my mind wandering.” She turns her head toward Leo. I notice she’s keeping her body still. “Is that okay with you, L.?
The rubber-necked nod makes me smile. “She made me pizza bites for snack. I got to roll the dough out and everything.”
Lorelei smiles. “Her mom was a chef. I bet she’s had a lot of practice.” She looks at me giving me a nod. “Thanks for keeping him. I don’t want my ex taking him home with him.” There’s that fear again.
I shake my head no. “He’s in the hospital for a while. I believe with a concussion and broken leg. He’s been charged and will end up in jail.”
Shit. Relief shows, but that is with tears. Leo looks around then at me. What am I supposed to do? “Tissues?” he asks.
“Do you remember where the front desk is?”
He nods. “Where the cool bikes are.”
“Tell the Prospect you need a box of tissues and two chairs per VP.”
He runs out yelling, “Okay, Raid.”
I get a roll of toilet paper from the bathroom and hand it to her. “Thank you. I’m so relieved he can’t get at L.. I think he hates him more than me. I’m so glad he wasn’t in the house today.” How long has Leo lived in the house with his father hating him?
“Do you remember what happened?”
She cleans her face shaking her head no. “All I remember is a noise and my head feeling like it split open. I was trying to get L.’s room done before he came home from school.”
“Is this normal for him to hurt you?”
“It’s never happened before. His abuse was verbal and always to me. He never spoke to L..” He never spoke to Leo. How long was that?
What a dick. “He won’t be a problem anymore. Did Banks tell you he got his signature so you’ll get money from the house?”
She looks confused. “I think I’d remember that, no he didn’t. So, I’ll get money from my ex?”
I nod. “He’ll make sure of it. I was told you’d get half and the damages from your house. He needs to ask Trask about the total for damage to your furniture. He’s buying you a car too. When your phone gets here, you can call if you want something specific.”
She looks like she’s in shock. “I’ll see him tomorrow he said.”
“Do you want some water? I notice you’re not moving much. I can call Patcher in for more meds.”
She shakes her head no. “I can barely keep up now. When L. leaves, I’ll get something to help me sleep. I can’t believe I’ll get money from the house. Thank you so much. I’ve worked for years trying to pay down the mortgage then lost it.”
Leo comes in with tissues and ends up ripping the box to get one in her hand. I smile taking the toilet paper back to the bathroom. He’s cute. “The Prospect said he’s sending chairs and even a table for us to eat.”
Looking at my watch, I nod. “Dinner will be here in a few minutes. Lorelei, if you need anything, your phone will have an app for the Prospects. Just tell them what you need and they’ll bring it to you.”
“Patcher said I have a guard outside the door that won’t let anyone but you in. He can’t come in either.” She finds this funny.
Leo is excited. “That’s an Enforcer. He’s big too, but he let me in.”
“The Prospects can come in if there are two and Security is outside. He’ll watch them in the room, but let them bring what you need, meaning drinks, food, towels, clothes, anything. Outside the door has cameras to make sure everyone is doing their job. You have the cuff too. If you need it, you press the button and an alert goes to Ops. An Officer is on every shift and will send help.”
