Page 54 of Benga's Rise

Chapter Seven

One week

Raid

Drama free days make me happy. Today is not going to be one of them because today is the last day for the Territory Lead Conference and Major is bringing a group of Presidents here. That’s according to his text.

Cort is already pissed. “Web, get Major up on the screen.”

Oh shit. This is shaping up to be the day that makes us all drunks. I could use a drink and it’s fucking nine in the morning. It started out so good too. Caelan is getting bigger by the day. Leo is happy and talking and Lorelei is letting shit go. I wonder if it’s too late to call in sick. The Brothers laugh when I ask.

Major pops on with a big smile until he sees Cort’s face. “Cort?”

“Major, tell me you’re not bringing Needle back here.”

Major laughs. “No, he went home the second day. I do have an Ops trainer and three Presidents that are forming or in Councils and interested in the gear and your technology. They’re willing to trade or help with information on their technology. The apps are a big hit with them all and Jordan advised their tech Brother to speak to Web.”

Shit. Web’s name being passed around isn’t good. Cort nods. “Thanks, Major. I’ll relax now.” He is anything but relaxed.

Major laughs again and closes the feed down.

“Fuck!” Cort whips his bottle of water at the wall just under the screen. Falling back in his chair, he puts his elbows on his knees and head in his hands.

I stand. “Give us the room for a few. Web, stay.” Since Web looks as pale as his albinos, I don’t think he was ready to walk out.

Falcon and Hade throw me chin. When the door closes, I sit. “What do you want to do here, Cort?”

“We’re going to have to let Major and Jordan know we’re a shield for Web.” He looks up and I can feel the pain that’s in his eyes. “They both shield so they’ll understand and stop saying your fucking name. I should have seen this coming. Are you okay with this?”

“They shield people like us?” Web is so sheltered here. He looks shell-shocked.

I nod, but Cort answers. “They do. I brought a family to Major myself two years ago. Jordan is a shield for two that I covered in the city. He is the only one in his Club that knows.”

Web nods. “You trust them?”

Cort nods. “With my life. I don’t want the As on today because we don’t know who is walking in, but I trust Major and Jordan.”

Web nods. “I always have too. Why were you so mad?” His color is almost back to normal.

I smile. “Because he didn’t anticipate anyone saying your name.”

Web smiles looking more like Web. “I’ll get the As in their building and meet with the tech Brother. I’m glad we have the IT from Jordan.” He’s not showing an inkling of concern here.

Cort looks at me then back at Web. “Go get them settled for the day. They’ll need food brought in. They stay in the building until Major leaves with whoever the fuck he’s bringing.”

Web stands. “Roger, Boss.” He walks out and Cort is shaking his head.

I nod. “He doesn’t understand, but he’ll keep the kids covered.”

“I don’t know if I should be worried about himnotunderstanding.”

I smile. “Not today. Worry tomorrow, Brother.”

“Yeah. Get Inner Circle in first.”

When they’re in, Cort looks at each one. “Amos, you’re with Web and the tech. Personal questions to him are deflected, interrupted, spill a drink on a fucking keyboard, but keep him shielded.”

Amos looks happy to help. “I can do that, Boss. I’ll be his shield.”