Page 112 of Ranger's Rise
We pull off the exit and into the diner. “We need a diner closer.”
I’m laughing before VP opens his mouth. “Jesus. I’ll tell Lorelei to get ready for it. I’m never going to see my ol’ lady.”
“I got her an assistant, Raid, relax. Ranger, you got your hat?”
VP jumps in. “You did? Who is it?”
I ignore him because I like to see him lose his shit then watch Cort shut him up. “No, Boss. I ran out without it. I’ll wear the helmet to the door.”
“I’ll have a Prospect put a ball cap in your bike.”
“Fuck. I’ll get you a hat myself! Focus, Brother. Who’s Lorelei’s assistant?”
Cort shrugs. “I don’t know. Jinx hired her, she went to school with Lorelei. He’s your fucking second, why don’t you know? I need a second.”
I fall in my chair laughing. Falcon’s swinging his head. “Raid is your second, Boss. You have a Prospect from admin on your email and a Brother from Security on your calls.”
“Don’t say it like that. You make it sound like I’m needy. Just wait until you’re up, you’ll understand. I’ve got fucking Badass trying to schedule Flight Training for three years away.” Cort sits disgusted with email.
“I’ll cut it off at two. Ranger has a shit load of Brothers coming in from the military. They’re leaving or something, but they want in here. I got the apps back and these are a good fit.” He’s a good VP for Cort.
“I’ll look at them when we get back.” He looks at Falcon. “We rode down, you went with Brinks and McCabe and you still haven’t said what you think about it.”
“I did say. I like the setup. I like that it’s a smaller version of here and Security is just as big. I like the Ops room and my logos behind me. I like that we’re only a thirty-minute chopper ride and I like the trainee and Brothers’ rooms. I like the Club being at the corner of the grounds and I like the track. I even like Officers’ houses on the perimeter. I said all that to you walking through. What part did I miss?”
Cort looks him in the eye. “The feel, Brother.”
“I didn’t miss it and you felt it. We all felt it. We’re building something that’s right. At its base is Badass. I have the military and Mason mixed in there, but it’s all the same when you break it down. Walking in is just like the city and Phoenix. The building is alive with Badass. Bravo Rising will use that to build and spread just like we did with Badass in the city and Phoenix here.”
“About fucking time, Brother. I knew it was in you. I always get the feeling that Crow isn’t far. He believed in you, Falcon. I feel it in your Club.”
Falcon’s head swings. “You just wanted me to talk like a President and I can, will and do. You’re my Crow, Cort. I’ve learned more from you than anyone else. I’ve never needed to prove shit to you and it was a lesson you taught me not that long ago. Your belief in me feels like Crow’s belief in you. I’m honored and figure you know it because you feel it. You’re my start. Bravo is honoring you as much as Badass. I’ll make you proud, Pres, and I’ll do that with the honor and appreciation I learned from you.”
Cort’s hand slaps against Falcon’s forearm and he holds on. “I’m honored too, Brother. I can’t even tell you how it feels. No words.”
“You better fucking find them, the waitress is here.”
Fucking VP. I know he does this to break tension or add levity to deep shit, but he’s so fucking funny.
When the waitress leaves, he asks. “What’s with the glove? The medicine didn’t work?”
I pull it off and show him my hand. “It’s fine, but the skin is sensitive. Normal shit feels magnified without the glove. Everything else is getting a little color and my hair is even growing, but my hand needs some time, Doc said.” Splotchy white skin seems like a gift considering how bad it could have been if it weren’t for my Brothers and the healers working so hard to get me right.
“Can we fix it? There’s got to be something we can do to fix that.” He’s concerned over it.
I feel it deep and love my Brothers for caring. “It works fine. Getting burnt and seeing the Brothers work so hard to get me back and make that time easy for me shouldn’t be such a short span of my memory. I had no idea that I needed to feel a part of something again. I had no one close for eleven years. Phone calls kept me connected, for the eight my dad and uncle were alive, but not enough. I needed the lesson the burns gave me. Brotherhood isn’t just defending it. It’s living and enjoying life with my Brothers. I have the time and you’re all fucking funny. I like learning it with my new Brothers and old friends.”
Cort smiles. “You got some friends coming for your party on Sunday. Major, Maverick and Jordan too.”
Fuck. They’re all Presidents. “I’m honored. Five Presidents. Why?”
Falcon laughs. “Because you stood in front of Cort, dumbass.”
VP is swinging his head. “Since he stood in front of Cort, you don’t get to call him a dumbass. I let shit slide, but that isn’t one of them. Show some respect.”
Falcon smiles. “You’re right, Brother. I’m glad you showed and thanks for keeping Cort’s back. Everyone connected to him will, and should, show that respect. I’m a dumbass.” He’s going to be a good President.
I smile. “Glad you’re our dumbass, Falcon.”
