Page 27 of Benga's Rise
“She’s not to be anywhere close.” I hold the door open for Freedom, but she’s waiting for more. I shrug. She can get that from Lorelei when I leave. “Leo, we’re out. You can call your mom before bed or whenever you need to hear her voice.”
“Roger, Raid.” He kisses Lorelei’s cheek and hugs Freedom’s waist. “Bye, Freedom, Love ya, Ma.”
“I’ll get Prospects in to clear this out. Call if you need to hear your boy, Lorelei. I'll come see you tomorrow.”
“She nods. “Thanks for dinner, keeping him, phones and the company, Raid.”
“The drugs are wearing off if you remember all that. Make sure you get Moe in here when you’re settled.”
Freedom laughs and pushes me out.I’m so fucking glad to be pushed out of there.
“That lady was in our house?” Maybe I should have left him alone with her for a while.
“That’s what your mom said. My guess is she wasn’t alone at your house. It’s your mom’s story to tell.”
“Does that mean don’t ask you?” I really like this kid.
I laugh as we get to the Prospects counter. “Yeah. I don’t know the story so anything I say is probably wrong.” I wait for the Prospect to acknowledge me, then tell him to get the room cleaned, keep Chris away and make sure Lorelei gets whatever she needs.
He looks nervous. “Freedom is in with her? We heard the yelling.”
I smile. Everyone is afraid of pissing Freedom off. “Yeah, she’ll help her dress for the night.”
“I’m just waiting for her to call Moe. I’ll get the room clean.” His hands are shaking as he types on his computer.
I smile and walk out. I don’t need to see any more drama tonight. They are entertaining, but I don’t need it. “Get your helmet on and make sure your phone is deep in your pocket.”
“I don’t have deep pockets like you. All I got is like this. My Ma said she’ll get me clothes with her check. We needed food first.”
The food is gone, but I’m not saying anything. He probably saw it with Trask. I put my hand out. “I’ll hold it until we get to the house and you can order clothes. The Prospects will get them to us before school, then you can keep your phone on you. Follow the school rules so it doesn’t get taken away.”
His rubberneck starts, but I swing my leg over so he can get on. “I won’t lose it. Thanks, Raid.” His voice is small. Shit. I’m pissed, but not at him.
“We’re good, Leo. Let’s get home and you can pick a room.”
He holds on and I start the bike. Turning off the office grounds, I see Prospects at my house. Great. I change that, since it saves me a call, it could be great.
“VP.” Comes at me as soon as the bike is off. They have three boxes in the back of the truck.
“Prospects. I’m glad you’re here. Leo needs some clothes. Cargos and polos will work. Get with him once he picks a room so he can pick some clothes. He needs something for the morning.”
“Roger, VP.” He’s already scrolling through his phone. “They’re open until twelve. I can make it.”
“Go ahead, Leo. Pick a room, then some clothes. Get ten sets and anything else you need. Make sure a coat, boots and bed pants make it here and a hoodie that fits you.” I give the Prospect my card and follow them in.
Leo stops and I almost step on him. “Whoa, this is big. I can pick any room?”
“I’ll show you mine. Your mom may like for you to be on the other side.” We walk through the kitchen then to the small hall where my room is. “This one is me. The other bedrooms are off the living room.” I don’t show him the small room across from me.
He sticks his head in my room making me smile. Going back through the kitchen, we bypass the dining room and get to the hall for the other rooms. I open a door as we walk, then there’s the sitting room with a big TV and windows facing the lake. I like sitting in here. Opening the last two-bedroom doors I look back. Leo isn’t with me, neither are any of the Prospects. There were two inside and the one in the garage.
I go back and see Leo and a Prospect looking out the window. “You have a pool.”
“Yeah. You need to pick a room so the Prospect can get your clothes before the store closes.”
He nods and runs the hall. The Prospect follows like he’s excited too. I look out the window wondering if all kids are like this. I’m fucking tired and he’s only been with me for a few hours. I can’t picture the chick with three kids. Jesus. I’d be a fucking wreck in a week.
“Can I have this one?” I hear Leo yell and follow to the first bedroom.
“Any one you want. This one doesn’t have a bathroom, but it’s just across the hall.”
“I like this one. I can see the whole back and the lake too.” It’s the only one that’s got blue in it, but I nod. “I’ll get the young Cowboy to come put kid shit in here for you tomorrow. He’ll want to know what you like. Pick clothes first, then I’ll call Cowboy.”
He goes right to the Prospect and watches him scroll. I go for a beer.
