Page 33 of Ranger's Rise
Rex nods. “I’ll leave the bandage to you.”
Patcher nods. “If over the counter isn’t working call me.”
Rex rolls his hands making me smile. “I’m fine. Ant Irma and Ajhil will look after me like I’m dying. I don’t need you acting like that too.”
Patcher laughs and Cort smiles. He leans over and kisses Rex’s head. “Patcher, get him home and settle them for him.”
“I will, Boss.”
Rex is going to argue, but Cort stops him. “I’ll have the Brothers cover and close up. Prospects are here until you move, with Security checking in.”
Rex nods. “Okay, Cortland. Call me later and explain.”
Cort nods. “Love ya, Rex.”
It’s good to see this. When Rex and Patcher leave, Cort turns to Sharp. “What have you got, Sharp?”
“Hade is out for you, Boss. Rex isn’t safe here. When he went down, he said to cover the women. He didn’t explain, but you walked in and saw the rest. I’ll be close, but you need to watch your back.” He’s a good Brother.
Cort nods and stands. “I will, thanks, Sharp.” He hugs the Brother before he walks out.
Cort paces. “Don’t dick me around. Did I do this, Brother?” He’s looking at VP.
“No, Cort. This isn’t you, the women or Club. He’s always been a step behind and the new Club didn’t change that. Crow didn’t move him up for a reason. He took Falcon and Hade was pissed. You never changed that for him and he expected here to be different. Mounty showed and Hade was pissed but held it. Now Ranger’s here and Hade is pissed. Our last two Enforcer shifts, he didn't give you an out. You noticed but didn’t say it. He shot you and acted like his consequence was a punishment. He never talked to the Brothers or showed remorse as anything but lip service to you. He’s looking for reasons and thinks you’re standing in his way. This is Hade, not you, Brother. He needs to be dealt with or he’s bringing that to the city. He’s an Enforcer and trained to kill, knows everything about Ops and your schedule, personality traits and how to hurt you. He won’t stop until he does.”
Cort nods and looks at me. “Do you agree?”
Fuck. I don’t want to get in Hade’s shit, but the Club will derail if I don’t. “I do. The Brothers are worried about the women and you. Hade said enough to have them closing in. He’s been here before, but Rex wasn’t here, was mentioned. If he’s not dealt with, you’ll lose respect and the protectiveness they’re showing.”
He nods. “That’s what I thought too. Let’s get him out of here before they start thinking and deal.”
I nod and follow them out. “He’s a good SAA. I like that,” he says like this is normal and I’m not right here.
“I knew he would be. He thinks like you so he’s giving you what you know is right. It will be a good resource for when you’re unsure.”
“Rex and his fucking words. Thanks, Raid.”
I’m smiling thinking they’re both fucking nuts. Falcons been gone one day now. I’m not sure if I need to start a count down.
The Brothers are watching us walk through. They’re still quiet. “I need two volunteers to run and close the bar. I’d stay, but I’m needed to deal with shit tonight.”
I look at the floor as Brothers jump to help him out. He picks two and walks out. I scan faces and follow, thinking he’s a smart Brother.
He throws chin to Tank. “Thanks, Brother. I got him.”
Pulling his gun, he shoots Hade’s feet and calls the Prospects over. “Wrap his feet and drive him to his house on the reservation. If he wakes up, hit him with the laser. Leave him there and come have a beer with your Brothers.”
“Roger, Pres.”
Cort walks to his bike. “I need you to cover me, Raid. Two hours. I’ll meet you here at seven.”
“I have a meet with you and Ranger at seven. We got shit to go over with a bar move and the choppers coming in. That’s at the bar here.” That’s an odd response.
I nod and think I need to talk to Freedom. “Good. I’ll ride here with you,” Cort says and that’s odd too.
He hits his mic. “Vick, we’re off and I’m heading home. Get cleanup to move Hade’s bike to the new dealership lot.”
“Roger, Boss. Pablo just signed on and is making the rounds.”
