Page 31 of Benga's Rise
He angles his head like he doesn’t understand why he wouldn’t be happy so I explain. “The last few months have been hard. A gang of kids beat him up and were threatening him.”
“He was in that gang. That’s how I first met him. He was a sentinel for the kids in the alley selling drugs.”
Grabbing tissues, I try to hold that in and not look like an hysterical mom. “That’s how he knew you. He was absent for a week.” My son was in a gang? “He just turned ten.” I wipe my eyes trying to get that through my head. Oh, my God! The hoodie a kid gave him and the hat!
“So, you had no idea?”
Is he serious? “My son was in a gang and you think I gave permission!? No, I didn’t know! He wouldn’t talk about the kids that beat him up. That was like two weeks ago!”
His hands go up and I realize I’m yelling at him. “He wasn’t in it long. That’s good. He wants to join Little Brothers. Since we don’t condone drugs, he was interested. The idea of growing up to be a good man was something you gave him, the Little Brothers are all about helping, so it will be good for him to see and help good happen in the community. He said you would get fired if you got called out of work again and the point was to give the kids a better way to spend their time by helping and not hurting the community. They didn’t call any parents.”
They knew and didn’t call. I close my eyes knowing I’m angry at me. They help. I saw them in town and they’re even helping me. “I’m sorry,” I say when my eyes are open. “Phoenix has shown the good they do. I’m angry at myself for allowing my son to be put through whatever they did to him. Now I understand why he was so happy to get back here. Is that why you hired me?”
He shakes his head no. “Banks was checking out a scammer that bought house notes. Cort wanted him to get the people that left, because of that scammer, back. When we went to collect the drug runner, I heard about three kids from town. One was Leo, I talked to him myself. The Brothers were there to change the kids focus from drugs to Badass. That’s honor, respect and loyalty to each other and the community.
“We had no idea about you. Banks thought you’d be a good fit for HR. He had been helping in there for a while. We don’t have a Brother to manage it and it’s not a job just anyone can do. The head of IT and the Club’s investor were doing it, but you fell just right. With you back in town, he offered the job hoping you’d take it.
“With your ex, we were just riding to see the houses put aside for the Brothers. Banks bought three more so it was just a coincidence that we went by as your ex was throwing shit out the front. Actually, everything was a coincidence. Seeing Leo there surprised me. I didn’t hire you so I had no idea he was yours.”
Holy crap. “That is quite a few coincidences all at once. The company that bought the loan was a scam?”
“He bought it legally, but he can’t make you leave. The phone calls were a scam.”
I shake my head. “He sent a big guy to the house. It wasn’t just calls. The man sat there one Saturday. My ex sold the house and said I had to be out on the following Monday.”
“Jesus. You’re here now. The condo is ready and you have a job. Leo is happy going back to his old school and relieved he doesn’t have to deal with drugs and shooting people. Patcher and Cort are pushing Little Brothers. Patcher helps run it. He’s safe, covered by Brothers and happy. You’re safe, covered by Brothers and almost well enough to be happy. Let’s move forward with all that and let the rest go.” The man is infuriatingly simple in his thinking. My son is happy he doesn’t have to deal drugs and shoot people. He’s ten!
I close my eyes again and breathe. I am such a screw-up. This is all my fault. I can keep going back to that or take a step forward so L. never has to think about drugs and guns again. “You’re right, thank you again. I’ll talk to him about the gang and Little Brothers.”
He nods looking relieved. “Give him time to tell you about the gang and he’ll ask about Little Brothers today. He didn’t go to the gang willingly. That says something. At a guess, they threatened to hurtyou. Let him see you’re okay here and it will come from him freely.”
I smile. “You’re good at this. I’ll wait. You have kids?”
His head is shaking before I even finish that. “Nope, but I was a kid. Seren is with some Brothers up in IT but will be here soon to help you dress. She’ll ride with you to my house to get you settled. Leo picked the first room. It’s getting kid shit put in it. Seren knows the young Cowboy. If you want something changed in your room, let him know. Both empty rooms have bathrooms connected, so either will work for you. You may want to use the app and get food brought in. Seren can show you. It will go to my card. The Prospects will deal with that. We ate at her house this morning. I have no food.” He looks embarrassed.
“I’ll pay you back...”
His head is shaking. “No, I do plan on eating there but I cook on the grill. I don’t stock up on other shit. I’ll tell the Prospect to get my regular, just order what you normally would...plus one.” How can I say no to that adorable smile? He’s a funny guy.
“I can do that.”
He smiles again. “Can you get the pizza pillow things? Cort says you can buy them in a store. Web gets them.”
I hold still with my jaw clenched tight and nod. He wants pizza bites and doesn’t go to the store, like ever. The man is too funny.
“What other snacks does Leo eat? I liked those.” He has no idea how funny he is.
The door opens and I smile at Seren. The woman is too beautiful for words. “Lorelei! It’s good to see you. I got to see Leo, he’s getting big, he makes me feel old.”
“You babysat him when he was two, so ithasbeen a while. It’s good to see you. You’re more beautiful than usual. I bet Caelan has something to do with that. You look great just having a baby and moving around like it’s just another day. I’m so happy for you, Seren.”
Raid looks uncomfortable, backing up to the door. Seren rolls her eyes smiling at me. I bet she thinks he’s funny too. “I’ll let you get changed. You won’t forget the pizza pillows?”
I laugh. “I promise.”
He’s gone with the promise. “Pizza pillows?”
“Pizza bites. He had them at your house and wants me to order them when I order food. The man is too funny.”
