Page 43 of Benga's Rise
Tweedle-dee looks at his watch. Cort puts his hands on the table and leans forward looking at Tweedle-dumb. “Before you go. The next time you come to my Club, give us a heads-up. We are all Enforcers and have other jobs to do so we’re not always in the office. Also, follow the rules you see posted. If you’re not following them, your Brothers certainly won’t. Last, do not ask questions that have been answered showing your lack of respect to my Club and me. We have no reason to lie or repeat ourselves. Being asked twice is bad enough, but to stand inmyOps room and ask Jordan the same fucking question is blatant disrespect. If you were so interested in how we run or what we do, you would have looked at the fucking website. I don’t know how you got trainees in here without knowing a fucking thing about us. If your play here was to show displeasure in us sending Brothers home dead or injured, you can rethink that. I have four full Clubs that will stand at my back, knowing the training here isn’t a joke to my clients or me. With a running track record that stands longer than your Presidency, I think I’ve earned more respect than you’ve shown.”Cort smiles when Needle looks surprised. “I have a Security force that is top-notch. I know how many members you have. What your businesses are and what is failing. I know your son just got out of jail and your daughter wore braces for four years. I even know who holds the note on your house, Brother. Do not show at my Club thinkingIdidn’t learn the lessons taught to me. I listen to every fucking thing.” He stands straight and holds his arms out. “Listening and learning guarantees Badass will always shine through.” The Brother is impressive in his ability to learn shit and deliver it with a punch. He makes me proud.
Needle nods but doesn’t speak. He looks shaken. Piston stands. “We’ll make sure to listen, Cort. It’s been interesting and informative. We will meet again, I’m sure, Brother, but that will be with prior warning. This was not intentional. We were on our way to the Charter meet for Territory Leads. We have a week of meetings there. Some are about the Councils.”
I can’t help it. “Needle is a Territory Lead?” Fuck, Badass is slipping.
Cort shakes his head no. “He’s filling in for the Lead. He was the only President free at the last minute.”
Again, Needle looks shocked. Cort smiles. Piston laughs.
At the door, Cort tells the Enforcers to bring the Presidents to the cafeteria then see them out.
“Roger, Pres.”
Piston is asking questions before the door is closed.
“I hope Major talks some sense into Tweedle-dumb.”
Brinks and Jinx laugh. “We won’t be seeing any more trainees from his Club,” Falcon says.
Cort nods. “He didn’t listen to me, Piston, Jordan or Raid. He won’t listen to Major. His Club is falling apart. I’m not sure it can be fixed with him leading it. I’m sure Piston has words for him and so will Major. Jordan said his piece but will again.”
Everyone agrees. “Falcon and Mounty, get that class stepping up. I want them out of here on time. How many are Needle’s?”
Falcon doesn’t even look it up. “Seven.”
Cort nods. “I hope one is smart enough to lead.” After looking at his watch, he unzips his jacket. “I’m at training, Raid. I need to get rid of this energy. Thanks for showing so quick, Brothers. This was nothing more than a show for Piston and threat to Needle. What the fuck kind of name is Needle?”
We all laugh. “Fitting based on your reaction to him,” Jinx says. He’s right.
“I’m going to get out of the gear. I’ll meet you downstairs, Brother.”I take my shirt off walking to my office.
“Damn, you're solid.” It’s Lorelei’s voice, but Jinx’s laugh right after.
Pulling my shirt off my head I smile. “Thanks, I think. I was just going to spar with Cort.”
She nods looking awful small in the wheelchair. Maybe because the hallway is bigger than at the house. “Did you need something? Are you done for the day or tired?”
She puts her hand up smiling. “No, I had some questions but I can ask them later.”
“Good. I’ll be done on time. Our shift got interrupted.” That reminds me. “Amos, can you get the Prospects to pressure wash under the portico? Someone was leaking oil all over it.”
“On it, VP.” He thumbs into his office two down from mine.
“You can see my office while you’re here. I just need to change.” I thumb in and hold the door for her. Since last week she won’t let me push her chair. I don’t feel bad because she won’t let Leo either. I walk to the closet as she looks around.
“The Cowboy did a good job here too. This is nice.”
Changing is quick. I come out in a Club T and basketball shorts with our logo.
She’s facing the door. Her face is red making me wonder if she’s done for the day. “I can get you home first if you need to go.”
“No, I really just had questions. I can ask at home later. I can’t open the door to leave.”
I don’t want her pushing herself too hard, but I don’t want to stop her if she thinks she’s got more to give. I’ll wait and see. “I got it. I’ll wait for you at the front when I’m done.”
“Thanks, Raid. I’ll see you in a while.”
~*~
